Don’t Just Vote, Contest Elections, Katsina Gov’s Wife Tells Women

She encouraged women and youth to fully participate in politics, highlighting a collective desire to build a new Nigeria.

The wife of the Katsina State Governor, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, has stressed the need for women to embrace politics.

Zulaihat Dikko Radda said this over the weekend during a workshop on “Unlocking Nigeria’s Future” which was held in Katsina State.

Represented by a seasoned politician in the state, Mariya Abdullahi, the governor’s wife advocated increased support for women and youth in politics and leadership.

Mariya Abdullahi, Katsina politician.

According to her, most of the political appointments done by the Dikko Radda-led administration are centred on youth.

“Contest elections; not just voting. You must be focused so that no one can distract your attention. I am advising women not to be discouraged in seeking political office,” she said.

“The role of women and youth in politics is crucial and essential for creating a more inclusive, diverse, and representative government.

“When women are involved in decision-making positions, they bring unique perspectives and experiences that can lead to more effective governance.

“By empowering women and youth to participate in politics, we can create a better and brighter future for all,” Abdullahi added.

Director, Centre for Gender Studies at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina, Rabi Adamu Dalhat.

Earlier in her lecture, the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina,  Rabi Dalhat, outlined factors militating against women empowerment programmes in the North-West geopolitical zone.

They include among others: limited access to education and skills training, cultural and religious beliefs, early marriage, domination, domestic and gender-based violence, lack of support in the legal system, inadequate legal protections and policy frameworks, systematic discrimination and marginalisation, lack of political representation and decision making power.

She observed that the government needs to do more in empowering and training the women by providing some incentives for the women to sustain themselves in the educational system.

The maiden one-day workshop, tagged “The Role of Women and Youth in Politics Challenges and Remedies,” was held at the Katsina Local Government Service Commission.

Northwest Women Coordinator, IBBN, Hauwa Lawal Jibril.

According to the North-West Women Coordinator of the Initiative, Hauwa Jibril, the workshop organised by the Initiative For Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) in the Northwest Zone aims to inculcate the spirit of citizenship and leadership values.

She encouraged women and youth to fully participate in politics, highlighting a collective desire to build a new Nigeria where no women are oppressed or denied because of gender or religion.

“Women are the backbone of the nation hence the need to be supported to make the country a better place,” she said.