By Lola Idahosa, Kaduna
The wife of Kaduna State Governor, Hajia Fatima Muhktar Ramalan Yero has said good , qualitative education still eludes the Nigerian women especially in the Northern region, hence limiting their competitiveness and ability to keep pace with their male counterparts. She made the assertion while speaking at the flagging off of women empowerment project organized for women in the state by Federation for Urban Poor (FEDUP)
According to Hajia Fatima, it has not been easy for women to get higher education that can help them to compete in the fast growing world. She attributed this to some cultural, social and religious beliefs.She expressed gratitude to the training centres which made it possible for the trainee women and other less privileged in the society believe that they too can lead an independent and secure life.
“Although women are trying to keep pace with men, and are becoming more independent today than any period in the world history, it has not been easy for women to get higher education that can help them compete with the fast growing world.
“Obviously, with an increase in population and the economic challenges being faced today, more and more women are finding it hard to make it through the day. However, I would say we are grateful to training centres like this one.
“As you are aware a good financial condition of a family helps in many ways; one can easily survive any difficulty with the help of capital, where it is needed.
“Indeed the present administration is deeply concerned about the plight of the less privileged members of our society. It is committed to improving the lives and well being of the people in whatever way possible.That is why government made available lands for local, national and international organizations which have the foresight, sincerity of purpose and capacity to train, support and empower the less privilege.
“I can assure you that more plan are underway aimed at creating opportunities for our people especially women and the youth. It is my belief that a financially strong woman is more equipped to take care of her family; she gets extra attention and feels more independent and secure even as she gets the proper respect by her family members and the society as a whole,” she said.
Hajia Fatima Yero called on well -meaning individuals and citizens to join hands with government aimed at improving the lives of the less privileged in the society; while she admonished the trainees chosen out of the thousands of other young women, to make use of the opportunity to better themselves and their families.