The wife of the Niger State Governor who doubles as the First Lady of the State, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago has called on the need for women in Political Offices and wives of political appointees to always remember the critical roles they play in reshaping the narratives not just at the state level in particular but in Nigeria as a whole.
Hajiya Fatima Bago stated this in her key note address shortly after she declared opened a two- days training program on Etiquette, Protocol, Security and Empowerment for female political office holders,held at Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi conference centre,Minna,Friday,17/11/2023.
She said the involvement of women in governance is not just an option, stressing that it is a necessity for the growth and betterment of society,pointing out that women have continued to show capacity with attendant goodwill in various field of endeavors with the examples of Dr Ngozi Okonjo Eweala, Director General World Trade Organization,Amina Jane Mohammed,Deputy Secretary General,United Nations.
According to Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago,”No discussion will be complete without addressing the pressing issues of gender based violence,it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to create environments that are safe and supportive,where women can thrive without fear or subjugation”.
She however enjoined women in the state to take adequate advantage of state’s vast arable land with the agricultural value chain benefits therein and key into the mantra of the “New Niger”.
Hajiya Fatima appreciated the conveners of the event for their foresight and timelines will continue to lead the path for the younger generations.
Earlier,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women & Affirmative Action,Mrs. Mary Noel Berje, in a seperate remarks noted that the 2- days capacity building forum was aimed at providing special orientation to women political office holders and wives of political office holders to scale up their performance.
“Though we are not in competition with our male counterparts,because the men
are naturally bestowed with the leadership by God and no one can contest that”.Berje submits.
The S.A. to the Governor thereby advised women political office holders to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Governor by giving to women unprecedented and historic number of appointments and reminded them to ensure that the women who won elections deliver,by meeting every expectations of the electorates.