Wife of the Gombe State Governor, Hajiya Asma’u Muhammadu-Yahaya, on Monday described the International Women’s Day celebration as a significant moment to reaffirm society’s responsibility to support women in building peaceful families and a progressive nation.
Speaking during the 2026 International Women’s Day event in Gombe, the Wife of Gombe State Governor said the annual celebration serves as a reminder of the vital role women play in promoting stability and development.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Asma’u Iganus, urged women to continue supporting their spouses in fostering peaceful and stable homes.
“This year’s celebration is memorable because it highlights the importance of supporting women so they can continue to contribute meaningfully to a balanced and progressive society,” she said.
The First Lady also announced a new initiative by the Gombe State Government to support survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“As part of our commitment to the rehabilitation and economic empowerment of survivors of Gender-Based Violence, the state government will open 200 bank accounts for survivors to help them rebuild their lives and regain financial independence,” she stated.
Earlier in her remarks, the Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, Dr. Amina Abdul, highlighted the project’s interventions in promoting education and empowerment for women and girls in the state.
“The AGILE project continues to support programmes that promote the development of women and the girl-child across Gombe State, particularly in the areas of education, empowerment and leadership,” she said.
Also speaking, the Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Hajiya Lumbi Abubakar, alongside the Special Adviser, Finny David, and a director in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Barsheba Samuel, engaged participants on women-friendly governance, the “Give to Gain” empowerment concept and voter education.
They stressed the need for women to work collectively to strengthen their participation in governance and community development.
“We must continue to support one another and encourage women to take active roles in governance and civic participation,” Abubakar said.
The Gombe State Commissioner for Education, Dr Aishatu Maigari, described the celebration as significant and commended Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for promoting inclusive governance in the state.
“This celebration is important because it reminds us of the progress made and the work still ahead in ensuring women are fully included in governance and development,” she said.
Also, Dr. Aishatu Kumo of the Centre for Gender Studies, Gombe State University spoke on child abuse and revealed that the centre plans to introduce diploma and postgraduate diploma programmes focusing on Gender-Based Violence.
“We are working towards introducing diploma and postgraduate diploma programmes on Gender-Based Violence to strengthen research, advocacy and professional capacity in addressing the issue,” she said.
