Fatima Ibrahim Dosara
The National President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim K. Burra, has commended the administration of Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for its strong commitment to gender inclusion, welfare of women and children, and the ongoing Rescue Mission Agenda.
Hajiya Aisha Burra, who was in Zamfara State for a three-day capacity-building workshop on gender equity, safety, and gender-sensitive reporting for women journalists, paid a courtesy visit to the governor at his office in Gusau. She expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the support provided by the government throughout the workshop.
The NAWOJ National President praised the governor for carrying women along in governance and for championing policies that uplift women across various sectors. She highlighted the administration’s provision of transportation and logistics support during the workshop as a reflection of its commitment to empowering women and strengthening media capacity in the state.
Hajiya Burra also acknowledged several achievements recorded under Governor Lawal’s leadership, describing them as clear indicators of a government focused on development, accountability, and inclusiveness. These achievements include:
Completion of the Zamfara International Airport Project, now at 90 percent completion
Declaration of a State of Emergency on Education and Health
Recruitment of 500 teachers to enhance the quality of basic education
Payment of backlog of pension arrears from 1996 to date, bringing relief to pensioners
Improved welfare initiatives for women and children
Establishment of the People With Disabilities (PWD) Board to strengthen inclusion and support vulnerable groups
In his response, Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to gender equity, girl-child education, and expanding opportunities for women in governance and development. He noted that his government has put in place strategic policies aimed at promoting equality and ensuring that women have a meaningful role in the transformation of Zamfara State.
The governor further assured the NAWOJ leadership of the state’s readiness to host the 19 Northern States NAWOJ National Conference on “The Empowering Role of Women in Peacebuilding.” He emphasized that women play a pivotal role in restoring peace and stability and that their voices must remain central in the state’s development agenda.
Governor Lawal commended NAWOJ for its dedication to professional growth among women journalists and pledged continued collaboration to enhance media development and inclusive governance in Zamfara State.