The Kogi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development with support from Community Initiative To Promote Peace (CIPP), has inaugurated Women Peace Building Council in additional seventeen local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Kabba on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Fatima Buba, noted that the Mercy Corps-CIPP intervention was meant at promoting peace in the state.

She noted that the Mercy Corps-CIPP had earlier inaugurated the peace building committees in four local government areas of Lokoja, Dekina, Igalamela and Yagba west.

She added that the ministry was collaborating with Mercy Corps-CIPP to extend the peace building committees to cover the remaining 17 local government areas of the state.

Represented by Mr Teddy Adegbola, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, the Commissioner stressed that the committees would strengthen mechanism for crisis engagement, resilience and early recovery from crisis at the grassroots.

She urged the committees to engage the youths and women in various communities to discourage violence and embrace peace towards the 2023 general elections.

”You are now indirectly the eyes of the ministry in your communities. You are therefore, expected to report issues of conflict ad violence to the ministry especially when it affects women and children,” Buba said.

She noted that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs had established a situation room for data collation on Gender Based Violence in the state ministry where reports were collated for possible intervention

She commended Governor Yahaya Bello for putting every machinery in place to forestall peace and security in the state.

Also speaking, Mrs Josephine Babatunde, Director Women Affairs in the Ministry, said committee members were carefully selected considering religious, ethnic, political affiliations as well as persons living with disabilities to ensure equity and fairness.

According to her, the major objective of the initiative is to prevent violence and promote peaceful coexistence among the people in the society.

She added that it would also address the root causes of conflicts and seek to find a lasting solution to them, and increase women active participation in conflict resolution and peace building.

She noted that the terms of reference for the committees include, raising awareness on ways to prevent and address issues of conflict.

”You will also engage fellow women, youths and children who are perpetrators of violence especially in the coming 2023 general elections.

”You will develop peace building initiative, local action plan on peace, security, and report violence against women and children to the Ministry,” Babatunde said.

In her remarks, Mrs Nafisat Abdulmalik, the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, said the organisation was collaborating with others to implementing the CIPP project in Nigeria funded by USAID.

According to her, the project is being executed in four communities in four local government areas of each of the six States of Kano, Kastina, Kogi, Kaduna, Benue and Plateau States,

In her goidwil message, the state’s Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Anne Olurinde, commended the Ministry and Mercy Corps-CIPP for the collaboration for all important initiative in ensuring peace in the society.

According to her, peace is sacrosanct to the development of any nation, and it is therefore, important as women being home makers to build peace from home.

Olurinde appreciated the Governor for recognising women and given them notable positions thereby building confidence in them, saying the inauguration of the peace building committees would mark a new beginning of peace in the areas.

The Vice Chairman, Kabba-Bunu LGA, Mrs Bimpe Alfred, urged the women to take advantage of the programme which would ensure peace in the society.

Alfred stressed the need for women to train their children in the ways of the Lord so that they could make them proud in the future while ensuring a peaceful society.

Members of the committees; Hajia Aishat Isa and Florence Allah, described the initiative as a good one, saying it would go a long way to strengthening peace in the society.

Isa, who is the President of Okun Market Women, assured that the committees would put in their best to ensure that the programme achieved the desired results.

Allah, who is the Vice Chairman, Ijumu LGA, said they believed that the project would empower women on how to initiate and maintain peace in the society.

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No fewer than 210 vulnerable women farmers, widows, petty traders and women with disabilities have been empowered with cash and agricultural items across the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

The State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, who flagged off the distribution on Thursday in Lokoja, said the gesture was the efforts of Federal Government in collaboration with State Government to eliminate poverty and hunger among the women folks and uplift their livelihood.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja, added that the initiative would improve the lives of the beneficiaries to enable them contribute their quotas to the economy of the state and the country at large.

He advised the women leader to distribute the items judiciously inline with his policy of Fairness, equity and justice.

He urged women to intensifies their prayers for Governor Yahaya Bello to enable God release the presidential mandate on him, stressing that what women in Kogi are benefiting could reach out to other women in the country.

He noted that this was the first time Kogi state has a leader who had shown national recognition and reckoned globally.

”I did not choose to go for presidency because of myself but for the benefit of people of Kogi and Nigerians, especially the less privilege, vulnerable women and children in the society,” he said.

He commended the management of WEMA Bank for their promised to support Kogi Women in improving their lives, assuring the Bank that it will not be disappointed by women for such gesture.

He congratulated beneficiaries of the empowerment and advised them to use the the cash and agricultural items judiciously to improve their lives.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Buba, said a total of 210 women would benefit across the 21 local government areas of the state.

She said the essence of the empowerment was to eradicate poverty and hunger among women, widows, and people with disabilities.

This, she said would improve their lives to enable them contribute their quotas to the economy of the state and the country at large. She

She said Kogi Women were industrious, enterprising and versatile, especially in agriculture, and advised them to use the items for their intended purposes.

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr David Apeh, commended the Federal and State Government for the gesture, as well as Wema Bank for ensure readiness to support women farmers in the state.

Apeh appealed to the bank to simplify the loan conditions to enable the women access it.

Also speaking, Manager of Wema Bank, Mrs Chinasa Isaac, assured the readiness of the bank to support government in its empowerment programmes.

She said the bank has products targeting women folks, saying it was ready to give them loan at the range of N100,000 to N1 million to boost their businesses.

Some beneficiaries, Funke Abolaji, Sepuwa Danladi, Ramatu Yusuf and Omoshade Yemi from Yagba West, Yagba East, Idah, Ofu and Ibaji Local Governments respectively, commended the Federal and state government for the empowerment.

They expressed happiness for being beneficiaries of the programme and promised to use the cash as well as agricultural items according to expectations.

The Agricultural items distributed include: seedlings such as Beans, rice, maize, grandnut and farm implements such as wheel barrow, shovel, spraying container, fertilizer, chemicals, among others.

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The Kogi State Commissioner For Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba has felicitated with Christian faithfuls in the state as Christians across the globe celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Buba, in a statement she personally signed on Friday admonished Christians to use the period to reflect on the good work of Jesus Christ who came to sacrifice his life for people to be saved.

The Commissioner while noting that their is need for Nigerians to show love, unity and forgiveness during this festive season prayed that the blessings attached to the celebration will be sustained in their lives.

“This is a season where we should all reflect on the good work of our lord Jesus Christ who came to sacrifice his life to save the world. During his time on earth, it is on record that he lived a life of simplicity. He was a righteous Man who is committed in fulfilling the work of God on earth.

“As Christian faithfuls celebrate the death and resurrection of our lord, I pray that God in his infinite mercy hear the cry of his people and Nigeria as a nation. This is the time we must show love and sacrifice for one another as this is the template set when Jesus Christ came to the World thousands of years ago” she added.

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The Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba has felicitated with Governor Yahaya Bello on the occasion of his 46th birthday, wishing him God’s blessings as he leads the State and Country come 2023.

Buba stated this in a goodwill message She signed on Friday.
She acknowledged Governor Bello’s long-standing commitment to building a better Kogi State and a united Nigeria.

The Women Commissioner stressed that the Governors’ five years in office as the number one citizen of the Confluence State has made meaningful impacts in the lives of the people which can be seen through his transformation in infrastructure, education, health, and many more.

“Our amiable, dogmatic, dynamic, ever-reliable Governor has shown an undeniable commitment to the unity, peace, and even development of Kogi State and Nigeria in general.

“We are very optimistic that is a leader that many Nigerians are curious to see that will pilot the affair of this Nation come 2023. Your detribalized nature has earned you series of awards both home and diaspora.

“Through your unbiased policies and program, Women in Kogi State have been given a sense of belonging, to participate actively in governance. Words alone cannot express our appreciation for the God work your administration has done for the people of Kogi State.

“As you celebrate this precious day, on behalf of my family, my constituency, and the entire Women of Kogi State, I pray that God will keep you in perfect health and grant you the wisdom and strength to continue to steer the ship of our State to more enviable and loftier heights of peace and prosperity for all. Happy Birthday Your Excellency” She added.

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In a bid to provide succour for Muslim Umah during this fasting period, the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba has donated food stuffs to 10 wards in Lokoja Local Government Area of the State.

Hajia Buba who donated the food stuffs to the 10 wards in Lokoja on Saturday urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of Ramadan fast which are love, peace and forgiveness.

The Kogi Women Commissioner who reiterated her commitment to always provide for the needy emphasized that alms giving during Ramadan fast is considered one of the most admonished good deeds in Islam.

She stressed the need to always give back to the society adding that almighty Allah will use this period to bring smiles in the faces of Nigerians.

” This world would being a better place for all if only everyone takes from the little they have to help those in dear need in the society.

“You know that zakat, is the Third Pillar of Islam, a major teaching. Being charitable and providing for the needy are important features of the Muslim character. Why is charity so important?

“The existence of countless starving, poor, hungry individuals in the world points to the need for this essential teaching to be put into practice.

” Affluent Muslims may not realize how their wealth could strengthen whole communities. Giving charity correctly is crucial to both the well-being of the needy as well as the ultimate happiness of the wealthy. The Prophet emphasized this principle repeatedly.

“You know that zakat, or charity, is the Third Pillar of Islam, a major teaching. Being charitable and providing for the needy are important features of the Muslim character. Why is charity so important?

“The existence of countless starving, poor, hungry and destitute Muslims and non-Muslims in the world points to the need for this essential teaching to be put into practice.

” Affluent Muslims may not realize how their wealth could strengthen whole communities. Giving charity correctly is crucial to both the well-being of the needy as well as the ultimate happiness of the wealthy. The Prophet emphasized this principle repeatedly.

“The Prophet said: “Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity.” (Bukhari) Another Hadith illustrates the importance of every part of a person’s body performing a charity:

“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

“A Protection From Calamity
By sacrificing part of one’s wealth and giving it in charity, the individual is guaranteeing protection for themselves from tragedy and misfortune. The Prophet said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi).

“Charity serves as a way to bring justice, balance and kindness to every society and community. It is our hope that the Muslim community fulfills their charitable duty correctly and does their part to eliminating poverty in communities everywhere” She explained.

She however admonished Muslims to use this fasting period to pray for the peace of Nigeria amidst the current challenges.

Some of the beneficiaries appreciated the kind gestures of Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba praying that God will sustain and keep her alive to do more for his people.

” This is not the first time you are bringing smiles to our faces in the midst of hardship. As you continue to be a good ambassador of the Muslim fate, almighty Allah will protect and replenish your pocket” They prayed.

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No fewer than 3000 Women in Kogi State will be benefitting from the N20,00 cash grant initiated by the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government.

The minister for Humanitarian Affairs Hon. Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk disclosed this on Tuesday at the Flag-Off of the Grant for Rural Women Project and Symbolic Disbursement held at the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja.

The Minister said the grant is expected to increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries.

Represented by the ministry permanent secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali, the minister expressed optimism that the beneficiaries of this programme will make good use of the grant to generally contribute towards improving their living standard by using the fund as seed to boost their trade and business for greater income and not to see it as their own share of the so-called National Cake.

According to the minister, “We believe with the complementary effort of the State Government, the target beneficiaries will all be adequately covered within the next few days. I am optimistic that with the support and cooperation of Your Excellency and other stakeholders present here, we will remain on track to improving the livelihood of the ordinary Nigerians.

” To the beneficiaries, Let me however reiterate that this money belongs to you and you alone. It is meant for you to use in any small business venture you deem fit and that will improve your lives. Please ensure that you use it for this purpose”

She said since the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration in 2015, the Federal Government has paid more attention to addressing the plight of the poor and vulnerable in the country despite the economic slump and glaring revenue challenges.

The minister maintained that this is because poverty reduction has become a major objective of governments all over the world and it is a key goal every country is working towards in order to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Goals.

” It is a fact your Excellency, that no single approach can be relied upon to achieve poverty reduction goals. It will require a combination of strategies, each targeting specific sectors among the population.

” This informed the decision by Mr. President to initiate the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) as a strategy for reducing poverty and enhancing social inclusion. The NSIP is adjudged as the largest social protection programme in Africa with over $1billion earmarked annually to cause positive changes in the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable in the country” she added.

The Grant for Rural Women programme according to Farouk
was introduced in 2020 to sustain the social inclusion agenda of President Buhari’s Administration.

Giving an over view why the scheme was set up last year, the minister noted that “It is consistent with the President’s national vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. It is designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural and peri-urban areas of the country.

” A cash grant of N20,000.00 will be disbursed to about 125,000 poor women across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory”.

In his address, the Executive Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was represented by his Deputy Chief Edward David Onoja thanked the president to initiative adding that his administration has continued to key into program that will ameliorate suffering from the masses.

Our Correspondent reports that goodwill messages were delivered by the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba and the State Focal Person National Social Investment Program Suleiman Oyekeyi.

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The Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affair and Social Development, Hon Hajiya ( Mrs) Fatima Kabir Buba has appreciated Governor Yahaya Bello for giving her the opportunity to serve in his progressive government

Briefing journalist on Friday, while marking her one year in office, Hajiya Buba who was highly elated said her last 365 days days in office has been fruitful and eventful.

She maintained that her ministry has been able to impact meaningful to the society by providing an enabling environment were woman and the girl child are adequately represented in the State.

The Women commissioner in the state averred further that through the effort of Governor Bello and and his wife her excellency Hajia Rashidat Bello, the state government has embark on aggressive empowerment program for women in the state as they now have sense of belonging in government compared to what was obtainable in the past.

Highlighting her achievement in the last one year in office, Hajia Buba noted that her office succeeded in the repatriation of 78 destitute to five northern states in the country.

In addition, the commissioner mentioned that the ministry under the year in review succeeded in repatriating 427 bandits wives and children during the operation nut cracker back to Kaduna, Niger, Oyo, Kwara, Kebbi and Osun respectfully.

The ministry under the honorable commissioner also protested against rape and other sexual assault on women perpetuated by some disgruntled elements in the state.

” We Donated palliatives to 25 orphanages cutting across the local government in Kogi and also donated to NGOs and other women groups.

” We visited an orphan in Abuja under His Excellency’s directives. The ministry donated food items such as rice, Pampers, noodles beverages to mention but a few. A particular abandoned baby called Alice was given these items to celebrate her birthday.

“We also visited many orphanages in Kogi State including( mom’s s orphanage, Ojogbane, Ajaokuta, stagi Orphanage, God’s will Orphanage) as we donated many foodstuffs for the orphanages.

” A case of child abuse where a sister poured hot water on her sister and was charged to court through the ministry of women affairs. This lady was punished severely” She stated.

Hajia Buba added that the ministry is currently investigating an alleged use of teenage girls for prostitution and sex slavery as widely reported by Wadata media and Advocacy Abuja, assuring that those behind the criminal act will be brought to book.

She however assured that Women in Kogi State will not relent towards realising the campaign promises of Governor Bello adding that his presidential ambition was for the interest of Nigeria in general.

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The Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba, has described Governor Yahaya Bello as a leader who many Nigerians are yearning for to lead them to the promise land in 2023.

Hajia Buba, while congratulating Gov. Bello as he marks is fifth years in office today, 27th January, 2021, said his achievement in Kogi State in term of infrastructural and human development is second to none.

While describing the Governor as a man for all season who has shown an exemplary leadership for zero tolerance to corruption, the women affair commissioner said Gov. Bello since he assumed office has unite Kogi State despite the citizens differences in cultural, religion and political affiliation.

She also lauded Governor Bello for improving the security network in the State adding, that, under his leadership, commuters, including traders can move freely in Kogi State without the fear of the unknown compared to what was applicable in the previous administration.

Hajia Buba however thanked Governor Bello for giving priority to the affairs of women in the state assuring her unflinching support towards realizing the dream and campaign promises of the APC led government.

According to her, a man who has achieved this unprecedented fit within five years deserves accolades, adding that the Governor has charisma and what its takes to pilot the affairs a great nation such as Nigeria.

She maintained that, the APC led government in Kogi State under Gov. Bello, has brought governance down to the grassroots, as women now have sense of belonging in government for the first time since the creation of the State in 1991.

” Governor Bello’s achievement in Kogi State will forever be in the mind of all Kogites. This is a man who brought sanity to the Local Government system, improved our security, ensure that workers get their wages as at when due and has embarked on massive projects across the nooks and crannies of the State that would better the lives of every individuals.

” Despite the limited resources coming into Kogi State, this man has continued to do more for the people of Kogi. Am not surprise why many Nigerians are beating the drum for him to contest for presidency come 2023.

” We need a man like him now to safe Nigeria from collapse. He is a detribalize leader who carries everybody along in his government. Kogi State under Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello made history in Nigeria by becoming the first State to have all vice chairmen in the Local Government as women.

“If given the opportunities to lead this country Nigeria, I am optimistic that more than 40 percents of his government will be women because he is a gender friendly leader with dynamic style of leadership” she added.

She how promised to mobilize women across the 36 states of the federations including the federal capital territory to see that Governor Yahaya Bello is elected as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023.

She equally used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Bello on behalf of Kogi women for his kind gesture in area of women Empowerment. “We will not relent and by His Grace we promise not to let him down” She noted.

The commissioner further used the medium to call on women in Kogi State to register with the ruling All Progressive Congress, (APC), and those that have registered, they should also validate their membership in a bid to move the party forward.

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