Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has been commended for his progressive approach to gender inclusion in appointing women to key government positions.

The acknowledgment came during the International Women’s Day 2025 celebration in Michika, where rural women took center stage in an event themed “Accelerate Action.”

The event, supported by Oxfam and its partners, brought together women from various communities to celebrate their achievements, discuss ongoing challenges, and strategize for a more inclusive future.

Dignitaries in attendance included government officials, traditional rulers, and international development partners, all of whom lauded the growing impact of gender-focused initiatives in the region.

Oxfam’s Human Resource Manager, Jumai Momoh, praised Governor Fintiri’s administration for ensuring women’s representation in leadership, particularly his policy of ensuring female emerged vice-chairpersons in all 21 local government areas.

“Governor Fintiri has demonstrated exceptional leadership by ensuring that women are not only seen but also heard in governance. His policy remains a model for other leaders in the country,” Momoh stated.

She also highlighted the efforts of traditional rulers in Michika, who have begun including women and persons with disabilities in council meetings. “This is a significant step towards gender-inclusive governance, and we encourage more communities to follow suit,” she added.

The event also showcased the achievements of the Adamawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in advancing gender equality. Falda Wesley, a representative of the ministry, emphasized the importance of empowering rural women.

“Many women have been marginalized for too long. Today is an opportunity to evaluate progress and ensure that women are actively involved in decision-making processes,” she said.

Participants shared personal experiences on the impact of gender-sensitive programs in their communities. Hanna Danjuma Banu, an attendee, spoke on restrictive societal norms that have historically limited women’s opportunities.

“Many outdated ideologies dictate how a woman should behave, dress, or even what she should study. These beliefs have deprived women of opportunities, but programs like this are helping to change that narrative,” she said.

https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/fintiri-applauded-for-womens-inclusion-in-governance/