20th anniversary of Rising Women Voice

Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT) who in his infinite wisdom and mercy spares our lives to witness the 20th Anniversary and Award Giving Ceremony. I am sure my selection to serve as Special Guest of Honour is not unconnected to the performance of Katsina State Government in the Women Development Sector.

This is truly a celebration, a celebration of the contributions women make in every aspect of life, in the home, on job, in the community, as mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, learners, workers, citizens and leaders.

What we are learning around the world is that if women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If women are free from violence, their families will flourish and when families flourish, communities and nations do as well.

I have the honour to state categorically that my administration attaches great importance to the well-being and future of our women and youths whose contribution to our coming into Government cannot be over-emphasized. We remain committed to them in the areas of Education, Agriculture, Empowerment and Health.

As we are all aware, one of the policies of the present Administration is the Skills Acquisition Training and Empowerment Programmes. From inception to date, the Government has successfully designed and implemented various Skills Acquisition Trainings and Empowerment Programmes for youth and women from across the State.

The Government has recently under the Ministry of Women Affairs awarded Contract for rehabilitation and upgrade of Kankia Groundnut Processing Centre at the total cost of over N100Million. The Centre will be upgraded from Groundnut Oil Processing Centre to a Vegetable Oil Processing Centre to incorporate Soya Beans and Cotton Seed.

In addition, the Government has also approved the renovation opportunities and educational empowerment for women, I recently approved the total renovation of Multi-purpose Women Centre, Filin Samji Katsina at the cost of over N74Million.

Even though the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Babbar Ruga was taken over by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the State Government supported the Centre with a token amount to conduct the rehabilitation programmes and empowerment of some selected beneficiaries across the State.

Honored guests, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I urge you to continue to offer more for the success and development of our dear State. Our doors are always open for suggestions, advice and any other proposal that will help us lift our State higher. On our part, let me assure you of our readiness to continue to offer our best for the successful development of Katsina State and its people.

On behalf of the remaining recipients of the awards, I wish to express our profound appreciation to Raising Women Voice Organization for organizing this occasion and to all those who create time out of your tight schedules to attend this event. I pray for your safe trip back your respective destinations. Thank you and may Allah bless you all.