Centre for Girls Education donates school materials to schools in Gombe
By Jack Tasha
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, on Thursday, witnessed the presentation of educational materials and uniforms to in-school and out- of- school girls in the state donated by Norwegian Centre for Girls Education.
Presenting the materials during an elaborate ceremony at Government Girls Secondary School, Kaltungo, the Deputy Governor appreciated the CGE under United Nations Population Fund for complementing the administration’s efforts in the provision of quality education especially the girl- child education.
Jatau explained that the administration places priority on health, education, and agriculture because health is the greatest asset every society can boast of and education provides man with the light of navigating the hurdles of life to control the environment.
He said, “In view of the understanding of the role of education, the administration places state of emergency by ensuring the overhauling of the sector through involving all hands in a comprehensive approach that resulted in the provision of infrastructure, supervision, and monitoring towards achieving the desired goal.
“Through the established BESDA more than five hundred out of school children were enrolled in schools , adding that much as the state was concerned with out of school children, emphasis was placed on out of school girls and women.”
The Deputy Governor thanked the Centre for Girls Education for numerous support through distribution of school materials, assuring them of support, cooperation and collaboration for the development of the state.
Also, The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, lauded the CGE and other development partners, as well as Civil Society Organizations including the Responsible Citizenship and Human Development Initiative for contributing towards the development of education in Gonbe state.
Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Planning, and Development Partner Coordination, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed, the SSG said the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has invested a lot in training its Teachers, establishment of BESDA all in an effort to improve the standard of education.
He assured that the administration would always provide the political will and any kind of support to all organizations who showed interest in assisting towards improving the living standard of the people.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioners of Education, Mr. Dauda Batari; Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru and Women Affairs, Naomi J.J. Awak, said, this administration has a very serious commitment in changing the negative narratives in education by ensuring provision of quality education to the citizenry.
The Commissioner Ministry of Women Affairs represented by Director, Women, Hausa Umar Pate noted that education is pivotal in any development, pointing out that educating a woman is educating a nation, because it would aid her in solving family issues, including problem related to the family health.
Dr. Habu Dahiru added that, the woman, when educated would handle issues of hygiene, child spacing, and delivery processes for the good of the family and society.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman Kaltungo Local Government Area, Alhaji Faruok Aliyu appreciated governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration whose focus is geared towards improving the education standard especially that of the girl child in Gombe State, adding that he was excited for siting the program in his Local Government Area.
He assured all the stakeholders of his commitment towards achieving the desired goals.
On his part, Mai Kaltungo, Engr. Saleh Mohammed, appreciated the CGE for the choice of Kaltungo for the programme, pointing out the importance of peaceful co-existence which has made the event a reality.
He appreciated the Award bestowed on him in recognition of his contributions to the education of girl child in Gombe state.
The Executive Director, Responsible Citizenship and Human Development Initiative, Mrs Dudu Manuga decried the segregation meted on girls where their male counterparts are allowed to go to school and they are not on the grounds of lack of funds for school fees, uniform and books.
She commended the CGE for taking the bold step towards assisting the girl child achieve their dreams by going to school, also appreciating the contributions of Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Planning and Development Partner Coordination for making the event a success.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairperson, Centre for Girls Education Board, Dr. Mardiyya Abbas Mashi appreciated the government of Gombe state for collaborating with them towards achieving the desired goal in the education of the girl child.
Highlight of the occasion includes, presentation of school materials to the in-school, and out- of- school girls as well as presentation of award to the Mai Kaltungo for his numerous contributions to the education of girl child among others.
Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media, (Deputy Governor’s Office).
