Raji Bello
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has lauded the Sokoto State government’s initiatives toward boosting girl-child education and women’s empowerment.
It applauded the creation of the Women and Youth Technological Innovation and invention unit under the State Ministry of Science and Technology and the establishment of the Board for Female Education to fast track their education.
The association also noted the establishment of Special Junior Girls’ Science Schools in the 23 local government areas, a Special Girls Science Academy, and ensuring that over 70 women emerged as local government councillors, a remarkable record from the hitherto zero-female representation.
NAWOJ Vice President A zone, Hajiya Halima Musa, observed this at the launch of a talent hunt initiative by the Sokoto chapter of the association to boost writing skills among female students in the state.
The VP, represented by the Zonal Secretary Hajiya Rabi Gwadabawa, assured NAWOJ’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives to boost girls’ and women’s empowerment.
She said the talent hunt programme aimed at encouraging students and bringing out the best in them.
In a goodwill message, Commissioner for Social Welfare, Professor Aisha Madawaki Isah, represented by the Director of Administration Hajiya Luba Usman, underscored the importance of communication skills for journalism students, adding that it helps in career development.
Also, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Kulu Haruna Abubakar, represented by Coordinator Women and Youth Technological innovation/Invention, Hajiya Khadijah Ibrahim Bako, advised the students to build strong writing skills through reading which helps to develop critical thinking, expand vocabulary and inspire new ideas.
The commissioners commended NAWOJ on the initiative. Chair, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Sokoto, Comrade Dalhatu Safiyal Magori urged the students to maximise the opportunities offered by the programme.
Chairperson NAWOJ Sokoto Hajiya Rakiya Muhammad said the talent hunt on writing skills aimed to discover the hidden potential in students
and give them a platform to soar.
She disclosed that in the last three decades, the association has been providing leadership, voice and essential resources to advance the course of women and the girl-child in Nigeria.
