The Gombe State First Lady, Hajiya Asma’u Yahaya, on Tuesday extended her compassion to some of the most vulnerable in society as she visited orphanages in Gombe shortly after flagging off the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The visits, which took place at Zainab Bulkachuwa Women and Children Maternity, Da’awa Orphanage Home, and Bege Orphanage Home in Tumfure, centred on donations and support for children and women in need.
At each stop, Yahaya presented food items, toiletries, clothing, and other essential supplies, reaffirming her commitment to improving the welfare of orphans and vulnerable children.
“These children deserve love, dignity, and every opportunity to thrive. It is our duty as a society to stand with them, protect them, and ensure that they never feel abandoned,” she added.
Yahaya noted that the gesture aligned with the broader message of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which this year carries the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
She explained that protecting the vulnerable—whether from physical, emotional, or digital harm—remains a priority of the present administration. “Every citizen matters, and this government will continue to do everything possible to safeguard their rights and wellbeing,” she added.
At Da’awa Orphanage Home, the representative, Malam Muhammad Lawan, expressed deep gratitude for what he described as an unprecedented gesture.
Lawan said, “This is the first time we are witnessing a visit of this magnitude. The First Lady has shown us kindness, and these donations will go a long way in supporting the children under our care. We pray for Allah to strengthen her and the administration.”
At Bege Orphanage Home, where the representative, Mr. Polycarp Degri, praised the First Lady for prioritising the welfare of orphans.
“Her visit is a great encouragement to us. It shows that the government sees and values the work we do. We are truly grateful,” he said.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Iganus, who accompanied the First Lady, said the ministry remains committed to strengthening community support structures.
She added that the orphanage donations underscore the administration’s resolve to uplift marginalised groups. “No society progresses when its most vulnerable are left behind,” she stated.
Earlier, Speaker of the Gombe Children’s Parliament, Ramlat Ahmed, emphasised that girls deserve dignity, safety, and equal opportunities both online and offline.
“Every girl and woman deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” she said. “Violence against women and girls denies us our rights, limits our opportunities, and damages our communities.”
She expressed solidarity with survivors and issued a direct message to perpetrators.
“To the survivors, we hear you, we believe you, and we stand with you,” she said. “To the perpetrators, we say: stop. Stop spreading hate, stop perpetuating violence, and stop silencing women.”
Ramlat also called on policymakers and technology companies to take responsibility.
“We urge policymakers to strengthen laws that protect women and girls online, and we call on tech companies to design safer platforms and respond swiftly to abuse,” she said.
She appealed to both children and adults in Gombe State to join the campaign.
“As the Speaker of the Children’s Parliament, I urge everyone to say NO to violence against women and girls,” she said. “Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all.”
