Kebbi state governor, Abubakar Bagudu says his administration has secured a $70 million World Bank grant, to strengthen adolescent girl-child education.
He disclosed this on Saturday, in Birnin Kebbi at the 5th Kebbi State Women Ramadan Lecture Series themed: “The Fundamental Role of Women in Islam.”
The lecture’s sub themes included: Innovative Islamic Ways of Home Management in COVID-19 era, Family Obligations of Wives in Times of Economic Hardship and Curbing Gender Based Violence.
Bagudu said that with the grant, women in the state, especially adolescent girls will be taught more skills, coupled with both formal and non formal education.
The governor also stated that such skills will enable the girls to be more productive and self reliant even in their matrimonial homes.
“The good news is that the more we invest in women, the more prosperous our society will be.”
According to him, the grant will complement the various programmes and policies aimed at making life better for the girl child, women and other vulnerable groups in the state.
Bagudu also stressed the need to legislate and appropriate for more money for girl child Education and other related welfare schemes .
While saying that women must be supported to play their societal roles, just as it has been ordained by God, he noted that they play key roles in the routine running of the society, not only their respective families.
“If we religiously heed to the various Islamic injunctions as regards our entire lives and family bonds, we will live in a more healthier, safer and peaceful society.
“Our various families, diligently anchored by our wives, mothers and daughters will be able to surmount all the formidable challenges and survive any economic turbulence,” Bagudu added.
According to him, the various Speakers, including those who joined virtually, had done justice to the theme and its sub themes.
He noted that, the theme and its subs were apt and timely, while the knowledge learnt was invalubale and critical, “in making our family lives better.”
Bagudu commended the Convener of the lectures, his wife, Dr. Zainab Bagudu and the other active collaborators , for making the event a huge success.
On her part, the convener and organiser of the program, the wife of state governor, Dr. Zainab Bagudu said that the huge successes of the Ramadan period depends on women for their contribution not only to their homes but also to the society at large.
She remarked that the preparation of the Sahoor and Iftar meals and making sure the family stays together to fully get the benefits of the blessed month of Ramadan.
She called on the Muslim Ummah to redouble their efforts in Sadaqah , Community engagements in order to keep the youths safe especially after the Taraweeh prayers.
Dr. Bagudu extolled the efforts of husbands, fathers, Sons and brothers for supporting the family.
“We must also appreciate the tireless efforts of our husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, especially during this month where we seek Allah’s Blessings and reward,” she said.
The Ramadan lecture she said could not hold last year due to Covid -19 pandemic, however, this year, the lecture was organised as things eased down and it served as an opportunity to pray for an end to the pandemic.
Shesaid that the theme was borrowed from disturbing problems in the society, adding that as the Muslims throughout the world were left grappling with the repercussions of coronavirus.
“Islamic culture, spiritual and theological dimensions offer Muslims a myriad of ways to cope.
“The practice of isolation is not new in Islam (ie Halwa or Itiqaf) and can be spent on getting closer to Allah, takwa, strengthening family bonds and many other charitable deeds.
“As Muslim women, we contribute a lot to not just our homes but to the society at large and a huge part of the successes of Ramadan period depends on us.
“That said, we can do more to ease the month for many who may not be as blessed as some,” she said.
She thanked the governor and his team of officials for always carrying through with programme that would benefit women and children in the state .
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, Zara’u Wali commended Dr. Bagudu for organizing the Ramadan lecture.
She also commended the governor for giving favourable and enabling environment to women in the state to achieve development and their potentialities.
Those who spoke at the event included, Sheikh Abubakar Giro, represented by Dr. Attahiru Sifawa, Dr. Isma’il Mufti-Menk who joined virtually with sister Na’ima Robert and Dr. Jabir Maihula, under the sub – theme, Innovative Islamic Ways of Management in COVID-19 era, family obligation of Wives in Times of Economic Hardship and Curbing Gender Based Violence.
The 5th Ramadan lecture series was attended by former Speaker of House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, Speaker Kebbi State House of Assembly, Samaila Kamba, Chief of Staff Government House, Suleiman Argungu; the SSG, Babale Yauri and Acting Head of Service, Safiyanu Bena.
Others are Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, members of the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen and other dignitaries.
