Northern group advocates Youths, women’s development in Nigeria 

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia 

The Coalition of Northern Youths and Women’s Initiative for Good Governance (CONYWIGG) has renewed calls for sustained investment in youth and women development across Northern Nigeria

The group who honoured one Hajiya Farida Jaure for her contributions to empowerment and inclusive governance, emphasized the need of strengthening good governance at the grassroots.

The recognition was conferred at a stakeholders’ meeting of the coalition on Monday, attended by political leaders, youth and women groups, including an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Muhammed Musa Maikaya, and the APC Deputy National Youth Leader.

Presenting the award, the National President of the coalition, Atahiru Ibrahim, said Hajiya Farida was honoured for her consistent support for initiatives that promote youth and women empowerment and strengthen good governance at the grassroots.

“Hajiya Farida Jaure has shown unwavering commitment to the development of young people and women in Northern Nigeria. Her interventions have made tangible impact in several communities, and this award is a recognition of that effort,” Ibrahim said.

He added that empowering youth and women remains critical to addressing unemployment, insecurity and social exclusion in the region.

Speaking at the meeting, Maikaya described youth and women empowerment as central to sustainable development, noting that leadership must be measured by impact on people’s lives.

“No society can develop without deliberately investing in its youth and women. Supporting empowerment initiatives is not optional; it is a necessity for long-term stability and growth,” Maikaya said.

He added that recognising individuals who consistently contribute to human capital development would encourage broader participation in community-driven initiatives.

Also speaking, the APC Deputy National Youth Leader, Jamaludeen Kabir said the party remains committed to youth inclusion and women participation in governance, stressing that such efforts align with the APC’s core values.

“The APC believes strongly in youth engagement and women empowerment. We commend this coalition for promoting these ideals and recognising those who are making real contributions,” he said.

In her response, Hajiya Farida expressed gratitude for the honour and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at empowering youth and women.

“This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue supporting programmes that promote inclusion, opportunity and development for our people,” she said.