Being Text of a Speech by His Excellency, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON, (Madauchin Doma) Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, on the Occasion of a One-Day Rally on Women Political Participation and Decision-Making in Nasarawa State, Lafia: Monday, 29th November, 2010.

PROTOCOL

I am delighted to be part of this historic event in the life and activities of the women in Nasarawa State. 

It is gratifying to note that today, our women have come out collectively to take stock, brainstorm and chart a way forward in pursuit of their collective interest and aspirations.

Let me, therefore, on behalf of the Government and people of Nasarawa State, congratulate you all for this initiative. I have no doubt in my mind that this happy development would add impetus and value to your desire for political emancipation and full participation in our political and democratic processes.

This rally is timely and symbolic, coming at a period when the nation is agog with activities in preparation for the 2011 general elections.

By turning out in such a large number for this event, our women have demonstrated that they have come of age, and are ready and willing to take their rightful place in the scheme of things in the State and nation.

Women have always played significant roles in the growth and development of societies.  Their unique qualities and disposition in fostering mutual dependence, peace and harmony in the family as the basic unit of social organisation and production, cannot be over-emphasized. 

As mothers and the conscience of the society, women have continued to promote and sustain the formation and modeling of the character and moral conduct of our children.

It is, therefore, not surprising that women are determined to translate this same passion and attitude into the wider realm of our economic, social and political endeavours.

In my view, the history of our country, our march to democracy, as well as the growth and development of our democratic process cannot be complete without acknowledging the contributions and potentials of our women, as partners in progress.

Ladies and gentlemen, I share the concern of our womenfolk on the need to ensure their active participation and representation in our political process.  Often times, misconceptions and misapplication of our cultural and religious beliefs have hindered the progress of our women to the detriment of our development efforts.

However, the advent of the Women for Change initiative, with its waves and impact across the country, the situation has began to take a turn for the better.

To this end, I take liberty of this occasion to assure our dear women of Nasarawa State that this Administration will continue to accord adequate attention to issues of women development within the general framework of our 13-point agenda. 

In this connection, I am glad to point out that, we have:

1. Reserved a minimum of 30% admission spaces for women under the Skills Acquisition component of our Economic Empowerment Programme;
2. Sponsored participation of our women in various National and International fora, including the National Cooking Competition where our women have continued to take first position in traditional cuisine;
3. Provided agricultural loans, food processing machineries, tractors, fertilizers, agro-chemicals and improved seeds and seedlings to our women farmers under the Badakoshi Agricultural Scheme;
4. Provided agricultural support grants to women cooperative groups under our Fadama III Agricultural Scheme;
5. Distributed tricycles to women under the small and medium scale enterprises loan guarantee scheme;
6. Constructed and equipped over 150 Primary Healthcare Centres across the State to bring healthcare services closer to the people, particularly the womenfolk in our rural areas;
7. Provided free obstetrics care to pregnant women, as well as, free malaria treatment to women and children in all public health institutions in the State;

  Furthermore, I want to intimate you that:

• Policy framework is being completed towards providing 30% employment opportunities for women in the State public service; and,
• A Special Adviser to the Governor on Girl-Child education shall be appointed soon to assist in encouraging and promoting girl-child education in the State.

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to assure the womenfolk in Nasarawa State that this Administration would continue to partner with you in all aspects of our development. I trust that I can count on the support of the menfolk in this regard.
 
In the same vein, I implore all our political parties and the electorate in the State to encourage full participation of our women by providing more opportunities for them to achieve their desire to fully participate in our political and democratic processes, in our collective journey to the Promised Land.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is on this note that I have the pleasure to declare this rally, open.

Thank you and God bless.