By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

The HANS (Hold A Needy and Support) Centre for Social Justice and Development has unveiled a three-month mentorship programme aimed at empowering 120 schoolgirls across Gombe State to foster self-reliance and professional growth.

As part of the activities commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Day, the programme was launched during a grand ceremony at the Linmana Event Centre, Tunfure, Gombe.

The initiative pairs the participants with accomplished female professionals, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and senior military officers.

Through workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, the programme aims to inspire the girls to pursue impactful careers, become innovators, and drive positive change in society.

Participants were grouped and mentored by prominent women, including commissioners, local government chairpersons, professors, senior healthcare practitioners, women activists, and officers from the Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC. These mentors shared their experiences and provided guidance to the girls, empowering them to navigate professional paths successfully.

Barrister Hannatu Dauda Simon, Founder and Chairperson of the HANS Centre Board of Trustees, shared the vision behind the initiative during the event.

“Our goal is to increase the number of young women pursuing professional careers, enhance economic independence among women, and establish a sustainable network of mentors and mentees,” she stated.

Hannatu explained her inspiration for the project, saying, “As a lawyer, I’ve encountered numerous cases of gender-based violence physical, sexual, and economic stemming from a lack of education and empowerment. This initiative seeks to address these issues by equipping young girls with knowledge and skills.”

She added that the mentorship programme will encourage the girls to stay in school, choose career paths that benefit their communities, and become independent contributors to society.

“We are creating a support system for these girls. They are now official beneficiaries of this NGO, and mentors will be assigned to guide them and monitor their progress,” she emphasized.

The 120 participants include representatives from each of Gombe State’s 114 political wards, along with additional nominees from schools within Gombe metropolis and the NGO’s Board of Trustees.

This mentorship programme is a major stride toward addressing gender disparities in education and career opportunities, setting a foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future for young women in Gombe State.

By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

In a major boost for youth empowerment and security initiatives in Gombe State, the Funakaye Emirate Council has pledged its full support to the Youth O’Clock Advancement Movement Association of Nigeria.

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Funakaye, Alh. Yakubu Muhammad Kwairanga, made this declaration at his palace in Bajoga while receiving a delegation from the movement, led by the Gombe State Coordinator, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, on an advocacy visit.

Speaking during the visit, the Emir emphasized that peace and stability are the backbone of any meaningful development, reaffirming the Emirate’s commitment to backing Youth O’Clock Nigeria’s efforts, particularly in promoting peace and youth development.

The royal father noted that Gombe State’s continued development in various sectors is largely due to the prevailing peace and security, assuring that as custodians of tradition, they will remain steadfast in supporting initiatives that sustain this harmony.

On his part, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran stated that the purpose of the visit was to seek royal blessings and to brief him on the objectives of the association, particularly its proposed Peace Dialogue Initiative aimed at fostering religious tolerance and security in the state.

He described traditional leaders as key stakeholders in shaping a secure and progressive society, emphasizing their crucial role in mentoring young people to become responsible future leaders.

In a related development, the Youth O’Clock delegation also visited the Director of the Skills Development Center at Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga, Yahya Ali, to discuss possible collaborations on youth skill acquisition.

The director assured the delegation that the Polytechnic will review their proposals and explore avenues for partnering with the movement to train youths in various vocational skills, including welding, garment making, GSM repairs, and more.

The delegation comprised state and Yamaltu Deba Local Government executives of the movement, reaffirming their commitment to empowering young people and promoting a peaceful and progressive Gombe State.

By Our Correspondent

The Gombe State Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program Manager, Malam Jatau Abubakar, has disclosed that 141,000 beneficiaries have been targeted to receive financial support under the program across the 11 local government areas of the state.

Speaking to journalists in Gombe, Malam Jatau revealed that so far, about 31,000 beneficiaries have received their ATM cards, adding that the disbursement process is ongoing and will continue until all selected beneficiaries are covered.

He cautioned beneficiaries, especially women, against giving their ATM cards to anyone, emphasizing that the cards are meant strictly for personal use.

He assured the public that the selection process for beneficiaries was done carefully to ensure fairness and transparency.

Malam Jatau urged residents of Gombe State to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during the exercise, stressing the need for uniform payments and uniform disbursement cycles to facilitate a smooth cash-out process.

He also warned members of the public not to give any money to anyone during the exercise, stating that the program is entirely free, and no fees are required from beneficiaries.

According to Malam Jatau, the primary objectives of the Conditional Cash Transfer Program include:

Poverty eradication in society,

Encouraging small businesses, and

Ensuring children return to school by providing financial support to families.

Under the program, beneficiaries receive funds in different cycles:

First cycle – ₦25,000,

Second cycle – ₦50,000, and

Final cycle – ₦75,000.

One of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Maryam Muhammad, popularly known as Hajiya Audi, from Shamaki Ward in Gombe Local Government Area, expressed her appreciation for the program.

She confirmed receiving both the first and second cycles of payment and thanked the Federal Government for initiating the scheme. She also pledged to utilize the funds effectively to improve her livelihood.

The Conditional Cash Transfer Program continues to gain public attention, with thousands of beneficiaries across Gombe State relying on it for financial support.

Officials have assured the public of transparency and accountability in the disbursement process to ensure that funds reach the intended recipients.