IWD: IITA Honours Gombe First Lady, Women Commissioner
From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
As part of activities marking the 2024 International Women’s Day, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has presented an award of excellence to the wife of Gombe State Governor Asma’u Muhammad Inuwa alongside the Commissioner Ministry for Women Affairs and social development Hon Asma’u Muhammad Iganus Uwar Soron Kaltungo Azurfar Dukul.
Presenting the awards, Mr Quadiri Shakiru who led the award presentation team said the International Institute for Topical Agriculture (IITA) deemed it right to specially mark the IWD by recognizing the excellence and commitment of the governor’s wife and all awardees for improving the lives of women in the state.
Mr Quadiri said the IITA being supported by US Aid is working in Gombe and three other states of the Northeast under the Feed the Future program, to promote seed production and scientific mechanisms to women farmers in three local governments of the state.
He explained that the IITA has been monitoring the inclusivity in the activities of the governor’s wife and the ministry, urging them to maintain the efforts.
Responding shortly after receiving the award, the governor’s wife, who is represented by the state commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hon Asama’u Iganus, appreciated the recognition by IITA, saying it will spur her to do more for the development of women in the state.
She said that empowering women has been her passion, hence the establishment of the Jewel Care Foundation with the aim of giving a sense of belonging to women in Gombe state.
Hajiya Asama’u Inuwa Yahaya said the foundation provides opportunities to businesses, health care services, agriculture and mentorship among others, expressing satisfaction that so far a number of women in the state who benefitted from its programs have gained self-confidence and reliance.
She also applauded IITA for partnering with the state in empowering women through agriculture, noting that women’s participation in farming is contributing to the food security programs of the state government.
Speaking on her capacity as the Hon commissioner for women in the state, Asama’u Iganus said Gombe is peaceful and safe for agricultural activities, pledging that the ministry will discuss with the IITA towards scaling up its activities across all local government for the overall benefit of women and the state as a whole.
Asma’u Iganus also noted that when a woman is inspired and included in societal development, it gives her a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment, assuring that the government of the day is committed to uplifting the statuses of women in their various fields of endeavours.
Earlier in an address, the Permanent Secretary Barrister Sa’datu Bome Ishaya, said the ministry is open to organizations whose objectives are to propel the development of women in the state and commended the IITA for supporting women in the state.
