Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding women’s participation in governance, pledging to continue appointing qualified women to key leadership and decision-making positions across the state.
The governor made the pledge while receiving members of the Zone C Women Stakeholders Platform during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Minna.
Bago acknowledged the significant role women have played in his political journey, describing them as the foundation of his electoral success.
According to him, the more than one million registered female members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zone C constitute a formidable political force that remains crucial to the party’s growth and electoral victories.
Despite the security challenges affecting parts of Zone C, the governor commended the women for their steadfast support and loyalty to the APC.
He urged them to sustain grassroots mobilisation in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the New Niger Agenda of his administration, stressing that women’s active participation is essential to the party’s success and the overall development of the state.
Bago described the Zone C Women Stakeholders Platform as a model initiative that demonstrates the power of unity among women in advancing inclusive governance and promoting the ideals of the APC.
He also praised the group’s organisation and cohesion, assuring members that many of them would be considered for appointments whenever vacancies arise within the state government.
On the security situation, the governor assured the delegation that his administration is intensifying efforts to restore peace in Borgu and other troubled areas of the state.
He said the government remains committed to tackling insecurity to ensure the safety of lives and property across Niger State.
Earlier, the Convener of the Zone C Women Stakeholders Platform, Hauwa Kontagora, commended the governor for his unwavering support for women and his commitment to increasing female participation in governance.
Kontagora explained that the platform comprises former and serving commissioners, special advisers, directors-general, executive directors, vice chairpersons, local government women leaders, and other stakeholders working to promote women’s involvement in governance and development.
She said the platform was established to amplify women’s voices, encourage greater representation in leadership and decision-making, and support policies that promote women’s empowerment and economic inclusion across the state.
She appealed to the governor to further increase women’s representation in leadership positions and development programmes, while reaffirming the group’s commitment to partnering with his administration in building a stronger and more prosperous Niger State.
In separate remarks, former Commissioner for Education, Fatima Madugu, and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hassana Adamu, pledged to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in future elections, expressing confidence in the party’s leadership and development agenda.
