Five women were among 11 commissioners sworn-in by Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State at a ceremony Lafia, with the governor thumping his chest as being gender-sensitive.
The five women appointed as commissioners are, Hajiya Halima Jabiru, Dr. Roseline Kera, Mary Enwongulu, Hajiya Jamila Sarki, and Hajiya Sa’adatu Yahaya.
Some weeks ago, names of the 11 commissioners-nominees were presented to the state legislature by the executive for screening and confirmation.
The women took the day by standing up, embracing other women who came to congratulate them and took photographs.
The photo session continued when the wife of the state governor and Plateau State former deputy governor and ex-minister, Mrs Pauline Tallen, joined the other five women on the podium for more hugging and photos.
In his speech, Governor Al-Makura boasted that, “Nasarawa State has become the first state in Nigeria to have reached the benchmark for being gender sensitive by having more than 30 per cent of women appointed in his cabinet.
“Let me reiterate that we are determined to bequeath governance structure that will be handy for the incoming government. This is to serve as a guiding template and the roadmap for the sustained development of our dear state.
“In the pursuit of our Transition Agenda, therefore, we have decided to, once again, inject into governance, tested technocrats, high-profiled professionals and daring politicians who we believe celebrate our success story and share in our longstanding philosophy of pragmatism in service delivery.
“Given their antecedents, it is my conviction that the appointees will add value to our Transition agenda as this administration is winding down.’’
He congratulated the new appointees and reminded them that public service is public trust.
“You must discharge your duties bearing in mind our principles of accountability, probity, prudence and, above all, loyalty to government.
“At the peak of this administration’s transition, therefore, it behoves on us all to be more committed in carrying out our various responsibilities. This is the only way that we can leave a legacy that will stand the test of time.
“As you settle down at your ministries, therefore, I urge you to key into our Transition Agenda aimed at accomplishing our various programmes and projects towards improving the living conditions of our people. You must avoid profligacy with government resources as such acts will be detrimental to our lofty ideals on financial discipline.
Al-makura advised the relations, friends and well-wishers of the appointees to accord them maximum support, as well as avoid unnecessary distractions to enable them carry out their duties with due diligence and patriotism.
Meanwhile, the women commissioners have been assigned portfolios thus: Hajiya Halima Jabiru, Lands; Dr Roseline Kera, Health; Hon. Mary Enwongulu, Commerce; Hajiya Jamila Sarki, Women Affairs and Hajiya Sa’adatu Yahaya, Housing and Urban Development.
The male commissioners’ portfolios are: Salisu Abubakar Haske -Youth and Sports, Pharmacist Victor Tella -Water Resources; Musa Suleiman –Agriculture; Wudu Yamba Agidi –Environment; Dr Clement Uhembe – Higher Education; and Hon. Mohammed Bashir Aliyu, Works and Transport.
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