From Abel Zwanke, Lafia
A Northern advocacy group, the Coalition of Northern Youth and Women Initiative for Good Governance (CONYWIGG), has renewed calls for sustained investment in youth and women development across Northern Nigeria, stressing that inclusive empowerment remains critical to the region’s social and economic progress.
The call was made on Monday in Lafia during a stakeholders’ meeting of the coalition, where Hajiya Farida Jauro was honoured for her contributions to youth and women empowerment and inclusive governance. The event drew political leaders, civil society actors, youth and women groups from across the region.
Among those in attendance were an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Nasarawa State, Dr. Muhammed Musa Maikaya, and the APC Deputy National Youth Leader, Jamaludeen Kabir.
Presenting the award, the National President of CONYWIGG, Hon. Atahiru Ibrahim, said Hajiya Farida Jauro was recognised for her consistent support for initiatives that promote youth and women development, particularly at the grassroots level.
According to Ibrahim, her efforts have contributed to expanding opportunities for young people and women, while strengthening community participation in governance.
“Hajiya Farida Jauro has demonstrated sustained commitment to empowering youth and women in Northern Nigeria. Her interventions have made tangible impacts in several communities, and this honour is a recognition of her dedication to inclusive development,” Ibrahim said.
He noted that youth and women development was central to addressing major challenges facing the region, including unemployment, insecurity, poverty, and social exclusion. He urged governments and political leaders to prioritise policies and programmes that invest in human capital development.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Maikaya described youth and women empowerment as a cornerstone of sustainable development and good governance. He said leadership should be assessed by the extent to which it improves the lives of ordinary citizens.
“No society can achieve meaningful development without deliberate investment in its youth and women. Empowerment is not optional; it is essential for long-term stability, economic growth, and social cohesion,” Maikaya said.
He added that recognising individuals and organisations that consistently contribute to youth and women development would encourage broader participation in community-driven initiatives and inspire others to take up similar causes.
Also speaking, the APC Deputy National Youth Leader, Jamaludeen Kabir, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to youth inclusion and women participation in governance. He said these principles aligned with the APC’s vision of inclusive leadership and national development.
“The APC believes strongly in engaging young people and empowering women as partners in governance. We commend CONYWIGG for advancing these values and for recognising individuals who are making real and measurable contributions,” Kabir said.
In her response, Hajiya Farida Jauro expressed appreciation to the coalition for the recognition and described the award as an encouragement to do more. She reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives that promote inclusion, opportunity, and development for youth and women.
“This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue supporting programmes that empower young people and women and give them a voice in shaping their future,” she said.
The coalition concluded the meeting by reiterating its call for sustained collaboration among government institutions, political actors, civil society organisations, and community leaders to advance youth and women development across Northern Nigeria.
