By John Bassey, Zamfara
The National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ in collaboration with Pan African Young Women Development Initiative held the 5th African Women colloquium on development awards in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Colloquium lauded the effort of His Excellency, Dr. Dauda Lawal and wife Huriyya Lawal for their efforts in supporting Journalists’ activities in Zamfara state.
According to the statement issued by Comrade Rabi’tu Yusuf, the Chief Press Secretary, Office of the First Lady, Zamfara state, the event, themed “Peace Africa: Women Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development and Economic Growth,” focused on strategies to expand business opportunities for women, particularly in Nigeria and to strengthen their role in economic development across the continent.
Speaking at the colloquium, the South Africa Country Director, Lady Una Hammond, commended the Governor of Zamfara State for supporting the participation of NAWOJ Zamfara members at the international forum.
She noted that such exposure would enhance the capacity of women journalists and entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to development efforts in their communities.
Also speaking, the Founder and President of PAYWODI, Dr. Jophia Nanker Gupar, who led the delegation also expressed appreciation to the Zamfara State Government for its support.
She stated that the organization looks forward to building a strong partnership with the state to advance women focused development programmes.
Dr. Gupar urged participants to cascade the knowledge and skills gained at the colloquium to other women at the grassroots level, in order to strengthen women’s economic empowerment and promote sustainable development in the state.
The colloquium brought together women leaders, development experts, and entrepreneurs from across Africa to share experiences, build networks and explore practical solutions for women’s economic growth and peacebuilding in the continent.