Source: This Day Live
In a rare show of compassion and commitment to the plight of women, children and Persons With Disabilities, the Jigawa State House of Assembly has convened a special sitting to receive the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, who was on an Advocacy Visit to the state to canvass for support and partnership on issues affecting the mandate of her Ministry.

Receiving the Minister in the hallowed chambers of the House, the Speaker, Alhaji Adamu Atmos, said: "We don't normally sit on Fridays, but when we learnt of your coming and the issues you are advocating, we decided to convene this special sitting to share experiences with you. We have actually declared this Friday as Minister's Day out of respect.

"This is because of our concern, compassion and commitment to the plight of our people, especially the underprivileged and vulnerable citizens of the State."

The Speaker said the state was among the first States in the country to domesticate the Child Rights' Act, but regretted that it had to be deferred due to series of complaints from the Ulamah regarding some of its provisions.
He, however, assured that the document will soon be reviewed and passed into law in line with the traditional and religious beliefs of the people of the State.

In a bid to protect women and ensure their wellbeing for maximum contributions to the development of the State, Atmos said the House has enacted the Violence against Women Law of 2003.

He pointed out that the State has also promulgated the Disability Law 2007, which compels both the State and Local Governments to pay monthly allowances to over 120 Persons with Disabilities in order to curve the menace of begging.

"Because of the State policy on the disabled, I am proud to inform you that a Person with Disability has been elected into this Assembly and he is currently serving competently as the Chairman House Committee on Information," he stated.

The Speaker pointed out such State policies on free maternal and child care programme, free Girl-Child Education from Primary to Tertiary level as well as other women empowerment policies and programmes were made possible with the support and cooperation of the legislature through proper appropriations aimed at making the desired provisions in the budget.

He assured that the House will continue to pass laws that will impact positively on the lives of women, children, Persons with Disabilities and other marginalised citizens of the State.

Earlier, Maina had told the lawmakers that the main objective of her visit to the House was to solicit for their support and collaboration in the actualisation of her Ministry's mandate in Jigawa State and the nation as a whole.

She said: "Issues concerning these critical segments of the society are listed in the concurrent list of the Nigerian Constitution, which underscores the importance of state governments' support for the actualisation of my Ministry's mandate."

While calling on the House to ensure increased budgetary allocation to the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to enable it carry out befitting social welfare programmes, Maina reminded them on the need to continue to promulgate appropriate legislations that will advance the cause of women, children and other disadvantaged citizens of the State.

"Increased investment in women, children and other vulnerable groups is indeed investment in the future of our great nations," she stated.

• Nigeria