Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affair and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Kabir Buba has expressed gratitude to Governor Yahaya Bello for giving her the opportunity to serve in his progressive government.
Briefing journalist in Lokoja on Friday, while marking her one year in office, a highly elated Hajiya Buba said her the last 365 days in office has been fruitful and eventful.
She maintained that her ministry has been able to impact the society meaningfully by providing an enabling environment where woman and the girl child are adequately represented in the State.
The women commissioner in the state stated further that through the effort of Governor Bello and and his wife, Hajia Rashidat Bello, the state government has embarked on aggressive empowerment program for women in the state as they now have sense of belonging in government compared to what was obtainable in the past.
Highlighting her achievements in the last one year in office, Hajia Buba stated that her office succeeded in the repatriation of 78 destitute to five northern states in the country.
In addition, the commissioner mentioned that the ministry, in the year under review, succeeded in repatriating 427 bandits’ wives and children, during the operation nut cracker, back to Kaduna, Niger, Oyo, Kwara, Kebbi and Osun states.
The ministry also protested against rape and other sexual assault on women perpetuated by some disgruntled elements in the state.
“We donated palliatives to 25 orphanages cutting across local governments in Kogi and also donated to NGOs and other women groups. We visited an orphan in Abuja under His Excellency’s directives. The ministry donated food items such as rice, diapers, noodles, beverages to mention but a few. A particular abandoned baby called Alice was given these items to celebrate her birthday.
“We also visited many orphanages in Kogi state including MOM’s orphanage, Ojogbane, Ajaokuta, Stagi Orphanage, God’s Will Orphanage.
“There was a case of child abuse where a sister poured hot water on her sister and was charged to court through the ministry of women affairs. This lady was punished severely,” she stated.
Hajia Buba added that the ministry is currently investigating an alleged use of teenage girls for prostitution and sex slavery as widely reported by Wadata Media and Advocacy Abuja, assuring that those behind the criminal act will be brought to book.
She assured that women in Kogi State will not relent in their efforts towards realising the campaign promises of Governor Bello, adding that his presidential ambition is for the interest of Nigeria in general.
