Women Affairs Ministry Hosts Inauguration, Stakeholders Call for Stronger NGO Collaboration
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services has inaugurated the newly elected executive members of the Nasarawa State Non-Governmental Organizations Network (NANGONET), marking a new chapter in the coordination of civil society activities across the state.
The event, held at the Ministry’s boardroom in Lafia, was officiated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharm. Emmanuel Yuna, who represented the Honorable Commissioner, Barr. Hauwa Samuel Jugbo.
In his remarks, Pharm. Yuna acknowledged the resilience of the Special Assistant to the Governor on NGOs, Hon. Umbugadu Ayuba Ahmed, for standing by the ministry during a period marked by conflicting interests from other government appointees.
In his keynote address, Hon. Umbugadu Ayuba Ahmed congratulated the newly inaugurated executive and emphasized the importance of humility, unity, and dedication to the goals of the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule.
“You’re not here for personal accolades,” he said, “but to play your part in supporting government efforts through constructive civil society engagement.
I will work closely with you to relay your reports to His Excellency and vice versa.”
Vivian Isaac David (on behalf of Commissioner for Education, Dr. John Maman),
Hauwa Abdul (representing Commissioner for Information),
Anna Joshua (on behalf of Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gomna Gaza).
Also in attendance was the State Programme Manager of the Nasarawa State Agricultural Development Programme, Umar Jibrin Nuhu, who commended the peaceful conduct of the inauguration and encouraged greater unity among civil society groups.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman of NANGONET, Mr. Philip O. Lokoko, reaffirmed the network’s mission to unify civil society organizations under one umbrella to eliminate duplication of efforts and expand impact across the state.
“Our motto, Transforming Lives and Improving Communities, reflects our commitment to coordinating civil society activities for greater results,” he said.
“We are engaging in initiatives like the Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) and promoting community ownership of development projects.”
Mr. Lokoko also called for legislative support to grant NANGONET legal recognition, which would enhance its operations and partnership with government agencies.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee and NANGONET State Secretary, Mr. Samaila Ayuba, expressed gratitude to dignitaries and participants for attending the event, stressing that their presence strengthened the legitimacy of the inauguration.
The event climaxed with the formal swearing-in of the new NANGONET executive officers and drew participation from notable stakeholders, including the State Programme Manager of the Bilingual Education Project, Hajiya Zainab Magaji.
Themed "Strengthening Civil Society for Sustainable Development," the event reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive civil society landscape that works in synergy with government and communities alike.
