By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

At a grand ceremony held at the Gombe International Conference Center, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Gombe State, Mrs. Adaline Waye Patari, was honored with the Outstanding Woman Award for her exceptional leadership, resilience, and dedication to empowering women and transforming communities.

The award was presented during the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration in Gombe State, organized by the Motherhen Development Foundation in collaboration with the Jewel Care Foundation, Crystal Justice, Santana Care Foundation, and the Bala Waja Development Initiative.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Adaline Waye Patari dedicated the recognition to her entire team at NOA, acknowledging their tireless efforts in promoting awareness, inclusivity, and empowerment, particularly among women.

> “This award is not just for me; it belongs to every hardworking individual at NOA who is committed to driving change. We will continue to work tirelessly to create a society where women and girls can thrive, free from discrimination and marginalization,” she stated.

She further encouraged women to believe in their potential, emphasizing that their voices matter, their contributions count, and their dreams are valid.

> “Keep pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring others to do the same,” she urged.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Motherhen Development Foundation, Dr. Erisa Danladi, highlighted the importance of recognizing women who have significantly contributed to community development, leadership, and empowerment.

She explained that the awards were designed to motivate, celebrate, and inspire more women to take active roles in society.

The recognition categories included the Grassroots Women Award, Community Women Award, Outstanding Women Award, He for She Award, and the Royal He for She Award for traditional leaders championing women’s development.

Among the recipients of the Outstanding Woman Award were Hon. Aishatu Jibir Dukku, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, and *Justice Zainab Bulkaciwa (Rtd). *Meanwhile, the He for She Award was presented to Barr. Sani Ahmad Haruna (Executive Chairman, Gombe Local Government), Comrade Faruq Muazu Gombe (Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ), and Amb. Ibrahim Yusuf (Chairman, Gombe Network of Civil Society).

Additionally, traditional rulers such as Mai Kaltungo HRH Engr. Saleh Muhammad, Bala Waja HRH Alh. Mohammed Danjuma, and Lamido Gona HRH Alh. Umar Abdulkadir Abdulsalam received the Royal He for She Award for their advocacy in promoting women’s empowerment.

The 2025 International Women’s Day celebration in Gombe was not only a moment of recognition but also a powerful call to action for gender inclusivity, leadership, and societal progress.

As the event concluded, the resounding message was clear: Women’s contributions are invaluable, and their role in shaping a better society must be amplified and supported.

By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan

In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025, the Motherhen Development Foundation organized a grand event to honor distinguished women in Gombe State for their outstanding contributions to society across various fields.

The ceremony also recognized traditional rulers and other influential personalities for their unwavering support of women’s development.

Held at the Gombe International Conference Center, Mai Kaltungo, the event featured a keynote address by His Royal Highness, Engr. Saleh Muhammad, the Mai Kaltungo, who was also one of the award recipients.

The royal father commended the women of Gombe for utilizing opportunities to drive significant progress in the state. He urged them to be more proactive in politics and called for increased inclusivity, emphasizing that women should be given platforms to contribute meaningfully to national development.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of Motherhen Development Foundation, Dr. Erisa Danladi, highlighted that the event aimed to celebrate exceptional women for their impact, encourage them to continue their efforts, and inspire others to emulate their dedication to community service.

She explained that the awards were categorized into:

Grassroots Women Award

Community Women Award

Outstanding Women Award

He for She Award

Royal He for She Award (recognizing traditional leaders championing women’s advancement)

Notable recipients of the Outstanding Woman Award included Aishatu Jibir Dukku, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari, and retired Justice Zainab Bulkaciwa, among others.

The He for She Award was presented to prominent personalities, including:

Barr. Sani Ahmad Haruna, Executive Chairman, Gombe Local Government

Comrade Faruq Muazu Gombe, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State

Amb. Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman, Gombe Network of Civil Society (GONET)

The Royal He for She Award honored esteemed traditional leaders, including:

HRH Engr. Saleh Muhammad, the Mai Kaltungo

HRH Alh. Mohammed Danjuma, the Bala Waja

HRH Alh. Umar Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, the Lamido Gona

for their outstanding advocacy for women’s empowerment.

Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, Barr. Sani Ahmad Haruna expressed gratitude to the Motherhen Development Foundation and its partners, stating that such recognition would further encourage and motivate them to continue supporting women and contributing to societal progress.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Jewel Care Foundation, Crystal Justice, Santana Care Foundation, and Bala Waja Development Initiative, demonstrating a shared commitment to uplifting women and promoting gender equality.

International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, celebrates women’s achievements, advocates for their rights, and fosters gender equity worldwide.

By Muhammad Yakubu Lele, Dramaturu

In a surprising political development, Hon. Saidu Hassan Jakusko, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, has tendered his resignation from the party, citing dissatisfaction with the lack of recognition and support for his contributions.

Jakusko, who served as the Director-General of the APC Youth Awareness Council for Mai Mala Buni during the 2019 gubernatorial campaign, announced his decision in a detailed resignation letter made available to journalists. He expressed disappointment over what he described as years of unreciprocated loyalty and sacrifice for the party.

A Legacy of Dedication

Jakusko recounted his active role in securing the victory of Governor Mai Mala Buni in 2019, emphasizing the sacrifices he and his team made during the rigorous campaign. “We worked tirelessly, investing our time, resources, and energy to secure the victory of Hon. Mai Mala Buni,” he wrote. However, he lamented that his efforts were not acknowledged by the government over the past four years.

Despite this, Jakusko remained loyal to the APC, doubling down on his commitment during the 2023 general elections. He claimed to have facilitated the defection of approximately 600 individuals from opposition parties, including the PDP, APGA, AC, and Labour Party, into the APC.

Alleged Neglect and Unfulfilled Expectations

Jakusko alleged that despite his significant contributions to the party, no tangible support or recognition was extended to him or his constituency. “These decampees were presented to the party leadership, including the APC chairman and other top officials,” he noted, yet his efforts failed to yield the expected acknowledgment or assistance.

The perceived neglect appears to have been the final straw, compelling Jakusko to step away from the party he once served with unwavering dedication.

Appreciation and Forward-Looking Vision

In his resignation letter, Jakusko expressed gratitude to the APC leadership and members in Yobe State for their collaboration over the years. He reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of democracy and the development of his community, even as he embarks on a new political path.

Jakusko’s resignation marks a significant moment for the APC in Yobe State, given his influential role and the political capital he has built over the years. His departure raises questions about internal dynamics within the party and could signal potential challenges in retaining grassroots loyalty.

Implications for Yobe APC

Political analysts suggest that Jakusko’s exit could weaken the APC’s grassroots mobilization efforts in Yobe State, particularly given his history of rallying support across political divides. The move also underscores broader issues of internal dissatisfaction that the APC may need to address to maintain cohesion ahead of future elections.

As Hon. Saidu Hassan Jakusko moves on, the political landscape in Yobe State is set for a potential shift, with both his supporters and critics closely watching his next moves. For now, the APC leadership in the state has yet to issue a formal response to his resignation.