Governor Inuwa Yahaya urges support, care for widows, other vulnerable groups
By OUR REPORTER
“You know in our society, cultural, religious (in some climes) and societal issues mostly cause some distress to women, who have lost their husbands, but as people of faith, we must always rise to our responsibilities in order to help alleviate those burdens and pains they and their children go through”, the governor said.
Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has underscored the imperative of prioritising the welfare and other needs of widows and families of those who sacrificed their lives for others to live in peace.
Governor Yahaya was speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, during the launching of a book, titled “The Teardrops of a Widow”, written by Hajiya Hassana Abubakar, under the auspices of Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The event, held at Peace Keeping Hall, Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, was attended by the First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, represented by Mrs Lauretta Onochie, Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Usman Baba Alkali, Governors of Kebbi and Niger states (represented), members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers and other eminent personalities.
Governor Yahaya charged men and women of goodwill to continue to give recognition and provide care to the widows and families of men, who have lost their lives in the line of duty as well as other vulnerable groups.
“I have taken it upon myself to be personally present today in order to identify and show solidarity to to the POWA, the Nigeria Police and in particular, to my dear brother and friend, the IGP whom I got to know since 1982 and with whom we share a common friend, Lamido Ahmed, who is now late. So coming to this event is emotional and is like giving the both of us an opportunity for sober reflection because both myself and the IGP have lost a dear friend whose wife is now a widow.
“You know in our society, cultural, religious (in some climes) and societal issues mostly cause some distress to women, who have lost their husbands, but as people of faith, we must always rise to our responsibilities in order to help alleviate those burdens and pains they and their children go through”, the governor said.
He lauded the author, Hajiya Hassana Abubakar, who is also a widow with nine children for bringing to the fore, the experience of widows in the society and galvanising the unique support that they require as well as for giving the people the opportunity to reflect.
Governor Yahaya also commended the President of Police Officers Wives Association, POWA and wife of the IGP, Hajiya Hajara Usman Baba Alkali for her selfless and purposeful leadership, which he noted strengthened the association towards attainment of its lofty goals.
He assured of his support to such a noble course.
There were goodwill messages from the First Lady, Dr. Aisha Buhari, Governors of Kebbi and Niger states and other dignitaries.
