By Our Correspondent

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe State has commenced a sustained capacity-building programme for its staff, aimed at strengthening election administration in preparation for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking at a one-day workshop held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Hajiya Amina Inuwa Gombe Women Development Centre, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to continuous staff training as a strategic response to evolving challenges, emerging technologies, and changing legal frameworks in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The workshop, themed “Capacity Building: A Tool for Successful Election Administration”, brought together staff of the INEC State Office in Gombe for intensive knowledge-sharing sessions.

Dr. Idris described the initiative as “not just an administrative formality but a deliberate and indispensable investment in the integrity of our electoral process and the vibrancy of our democracy.” He stressed that capacity building remains central to enhancing efficiency, transparency, and credibility in elections.

“In preparing for the CVR and the 2027 elections, we must equip our staff with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to deliver on the Commission’s mandate,” he said.

The lead presentation by Dr. Idris highlighted the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for strengthening staff competencies. This was followed by a plenary session where participants discussed innovative ways to improve electoral processes.

Head of VR/ICT in the state, Engr. Bitson Filibus, also delivered a technical briefing on the upcoming CVR, offering insights into its operational and technological requirements.

It will be recalled that Dr. Idris, upon assuming office in June 2025, pledged to institutionalise monthly capacity-building and knowledge-sharing programmes. Thursday’s session marks the first in the series, with future editions expected to include field officers, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders.

“With the elections drawing nearer, the professionalism of our personnel will remain the bedrock of public trust in the electoral process,” Dr. Idris added.

By Our Correspondent

In a major push to promote entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance among women, a private firm, Shalele Ce Enterprises, has launched a training programme for 1,000 housewives in Gombe State on online business development.

The sensitisation programme, which kicked off at Gombe State University (GSU) on Sunday, aims to equip housewives with practical digital skills to help them start and manage businesses from the comfort of their homes.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Shalele Ce Enterprises, Maryam Ibrahim Jalo, said the initiative is designed to empower women with knowledge in digital marketing, online advertising, and product promotion.

“By enabling women to manage their businesses without leaving their homes, we aim to reduce marital conflicts and promote harmony within families,” she explained.

Jalo added that the programme is part of the company’s wider commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth through the empowerment of women.

The event drew support from government and business stakeholders. The Director of Publicity, Gombe State Chamber of Commerce, Yusuf Haruna, commended the initiative, noting that women entrepreneurs play a vital role in Nigeria’s economic development.

Also speaking on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Senior Special Adviser on Small and Medium Enterprises, Alhaji Abdulwahab Sabo, applauded the organisers and reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to support such programmes.

“The government is proud of this initiative and will ensure its integration into our broader plans for youth and women empowerment,” he stated.

One of the participants, Juwairiyyat Mohammed, expressed excitement over the programme, describing it as timely and impactful.

“This training is ideal for housewives like me. It allows us to balance our domestic duties with business opportunities online,” she said.

The event featured lectures from several business executives and digital experts from across the state who shared their experiences and insights with the participants.

By Nuhu Waziri

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in collaboration with a delegation of Norwegian journalists, has commenced a three-day training workshop in Gombe State aimed at promoting gender equality, safety, and gender-sensitive reporting.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Gombe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, commended journalists across the state for their commitment to advancing gender-based initiatives that address the challenges facing women.

Represented by the Acting Assistant Director, Women Affairs, Mrs. Yoda Obida, the Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with NAWOJ in achieving gender equity and enhancing sensitivity in media reporting.

Also addressing participants, the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Jewel FM Gombe, Dr. Garba Ubale Danbatta, urged NAWOJ leadership to intensify its campaigns on gender equality and safety.

He emphasized that such efforts are vital in dismantling the barriers preventing women from attaining leadership and political positions.

Dr. Danbatta also called on the association to actively mentor younger journalists to ensure the sustainability of gender advocacy and to improve the representation and integrity of women in journalism both within Gombe State and nationwide.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Gombe State Council, Bome Anron Samutar, encouraged women journalists to remain proactive in protecting and promoting women’s rights and integrity through impactful and ethical reporting.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Gombe State Council, Comrade Faruq Muazu Gombe, praised NAWOJ for initiating what he described as a timely and commendable programme.

Represented by the Union’s Secretary, Comrade Shuaibu Umar, Comrade Faruq highlighted the persistence of systemic barriers that hinder women’s full participation in politics, leadership, and access to equal opportunities.

He stressed that equipping journalists with proper training on gender-sensitive reporting will not only lead to responsible journalism but also foster positive societal change.

Comrade Faruq also revealed that NUJ Gombe is planning a broader capacity-building programme aimed at enhancing the professionalism and ethical standards of journalists in the state.