By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule, has commended the Association of Women Traditional Title Holders in Nigeria (AWTTHN) for its readiness to collaborate and carry out humanitarian activities.
He lauded the association’s commitment to improving the country through various initiatives.
Sule expressed his appreciation during his remarks at the inauguration of the newly elected executives of AWTTHN and the inauguration of their endowment fund-raising on Saturday in Abuja.
He was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Margaret Elayo.
The new executives of AWTTHN include Hajia Zainab Jibril (Sarauniyar Loko) as President, Mrs Costy Princess (Bass Henshaw Eyo) as Vice President, and Princess Nikky Onyeri (Neledi of Royal Kingdom of Lesotho Egoigwe II of Ajalli) as General Secretary.
Other key members include Mrs Obonganwan Eshiet (Apostle of Peace) as Organising Secretary, Hajia Maimuna Ahmed as Legal Adviser, Dr Amina Danmummuni (Sarauniyar FESTAC) as Treasurer, and Hajia Hafsat Bima (Waziriyar Yalmatu) as Financial Secretary.
Hajia Jawahir Taura (Garkuwar Taura) serves as Public Relations Officer, while Hajia Alawiyya Abba (Zinatriyar Son) is Assistant Secretary, and Mrs Amina Abba (Giwa Yeriman Daura) is the Marshal.
Sule, in his address, lauded the crucial role women traditional title holders had played throughout Nigeria’s history, especially in trade and other activities.
He noted that their role had expanded, positioning them as critical partners in contemporary issues such as combating gender-based violence, advocating for child education, environmental sustainability, mental health, and overall community well-being.
Sule added that Nasarawa State valued the strength of tradition, emphasizing that governance could not succeed without the involvement of the community.
He expressed excitement about collaborating with the AWTTHN to promote environmental stewardship at the grassroots level, aiming to strengthen the resilience of the state’s people against climate change and environmental degradation.
He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to engaging traditional women leaders in campaigns focused on environment, health, education, and community development.
In her speech, Hajia Zainab Jibril, the newly inaugurated president of AWTTHN, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the association and shared her plans for various projects, particularly those focusing on children, education, and healthcare.
Princess Nikky Onyeri, the General Secretary, emphasised that the association’s work was deeply rooted in community engagement.
She outlined plans to tackle key issues such as health, children’s welfare, security, and gender-based violence.
Onyeri also spoke about the association’s goal of establishing skill acquisition centres for women and girls and supporting women interested in political leadership roles.
She committed to addressing critical women’s health issues, such as maternal care and breast and cervical cancer, as well as advocating for peace and security.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured the oath of office and the presentation of awards to several dignitaries.
It was attended by personalities from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Office of the Accountant General of Nasarawa State, the National Assembly, traditional institutions, and other notable guests.(NAN)