TheCable

Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe, has promised to encourage the participation of more women in politics ahead of the local government election in the state.

Speaking on Friday while receiving Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs who was on an advocacy visit, Yahaya said his administration will continue to expand the political space for more women as the state prepares for the December 19 local government election.

In a statement by Ismaila Misilli, senior special assistant to the governor on media and publicity, Yahaya added that his administration will collaborate with the federal government and relevant organisations to tackle gender-based violence and all vices affecting women and children.

“As a mother, you naturally have to be more concerned than all of us, but we are equally concerned; we must therefore work assiduously in order to address these issues and cover these gaps so that our children and grandchildren grow up to live in a happier and better world,” Yahaya said.

“Without the women, a great portion of our political train will be cut off, so we shall continue to engage and involve them in politics and governance.

“If Gombe State can produce vibrant and quintessential amazons in the likes of Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; Zainab Bulkachuwa, former President of the Court Court of Appeal, and Aishatu Jibir Dukku, then you can understand that there is no limit to what our women can achieve given the necessary support and encouragement.”

The governor also stated that his administration is on course to providing a shelter that will serve as home to abused women and trafficked children.

In her remarks, the minister commended the governor for championing the cause of women.