KEBBI – The Kebbi chapter of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has been navigating significant challenges amid Nigeria’s current economic difficulties.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, the state president of the council, Hadiza Muhammad Kola, highlighted the successes of the council, while also calling for greater financial support from the government to sustain its advocacy efforts.
Kola, who was sworn in by the late national president of NCWS, Lami Adamu Lau, shared details of the council’s journey, as well as the tragic events surrounding Lau’s passing.
According to Kola, Lau had traveled to Kebbi to inaugurate the state chapter and formally recognise Kebbi First Lady, Hajia Zainab Nasare, as the patron of the organization.
Sadly, Lau fell ill on the day of the event and passed away at the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi.
Kola expressed the deep sorrow felt by the council and the entire Kebbi state community.
“We were all shocked and devastated. It was disturbing to lose such an important guest. However, doctors later confirmed that she had underlying health conditions, which provided some relief as we mourned her loss. We are still in mourning,” Kola said.
She further extended her gratitude to the Kebbi First Lady for ensuring Lau’s body was flown to Taraba for burial according to Islamic rites, saying, “We are forever grateful to her for her help during such a difficult time.”
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On the financial state of the council, Kola revealed that she inherited an empty account due to the sponsorship of national programmes by her predecessor, Hajia Halima.
She noted that the council has been struggling to operate with limited funds, receiving only N50,000 from the state government.
“We have to save for four months just to gather N200,000 for national-level programmes. We are appealing to Governor Idris to increase the support for the council, and we believe he will because he is known for listening to the needs of his people,” she said.
Kola also discussed the council’s advocacy efforts in northern Nigeria, stating that women have been responding positively to initiatives promoting their rights.
“The economic situation has pushed women to engage in trade to support their families, and many husbands now understand that women need to contribute financially to the household. We have also reduced the number of girls out of school through our campaigns.”
She highlighted the impact of social intervention programmes led by Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, and Kebbi First Lady, Zainab Nasare, which have provided many women with start-up capital after receiving vocational training.
The NCWS in Kebbi is currently facing operational difficulties, with no official vehicle or office accommodation.
“We have been renting shops to use as our state secretariat, but our rent has expired, and we currently lack funds to renew it. For now, council meetings are being held in my home,” Kola explained, adding that the council is still working hard despite these limitations.
