By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has said that it attached great importance to the girl-child education campaign with the aim of making the girl-child a happy, responsible and enlightened mother.
This, the government said, is in addition to measures it has taken in the health sector with regards to maternal and child well-being as encapsulated in its Five Point Health Agenda which include the provision of free maternal and infant health services.
The State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar in a speaking marking the World Women’s Day Thursday held in Bauchi, said as indication of the government’s concern for well-being of women folk, three women were recently appointed into the State’ Executive Council.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Nuhu Gidado, the governor commended his wife Hadiza Mohammed Abubakar in the area of women empowerment through her pet programme of Bauchi Sustainable Women Economic Empowerment and Peace Initiative (B-SWEEP).
Abubakar, who said that B-SWEEP has brought a lot of succor and support to women and the less-privileged in the society, assured that the state government will continue to collaborate with B-SWEEP and other NGOs in improving the lot of women and less-privileged.
He observed that the theme for this year’s celebration “Press for Progress” is apt and relevant considering the importance of women in the society, stressing that women are force to reckon with in all facets of human development.
The governor noted that women possesses an inner strength with different coping mechanisms that keep them moving despite many impediments, saying women apart from being mothers, are good planners and managers in their homes.
Abubakar explained that the state government has established various women skills acquisition centres across the state with the aim of empowering women.
Also speaking, the Director of Women Affairs in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child development, Mrs. Ladia Shehu recalled that the 8th of March every year is being celebrated as women day in conformity with the United Nations resolution of 1975.
Mrs. Ladia Shehu expressed dismay that 31 million girl-child in the country are out of school, as one in every four young girl never complete school.
The Oxfam Line Project Gender Advisor, Mrs. Maryam Abbas had in a welcome address said it is now time for women to individually and collectively by conviction and actions press for progress for gender equality on moving gender stereotypes and ending gender-based violence.
She said that the 60-month project initiative is aimed at empowering 10, 000 rural farer households in six Local Government Areas of Bauchi state, stressing that of the project beneficiaries, 60% must be women.
According to her, the LINE project is a market driven agricultural initiative focusing on 5 value chains, which are Maize, Sorghum, Sesame, Diary and Livestock.
It is expected to result in an increased yield in selected livestock and crop value chain for 10, 000 rural farmers’ household 60% women, and improved agricultural business enabling environment, which is responsive to the needs of women, men and young members of farmer household, among others
LINE is an acronym for Livelihood and Nutritional Empowerment project
