Sani Babadoko, Kaduna
14 November 2007
Wives of governors of the 19 Northern States have agreed to partner to address common problems of the region, especially HIV infection and child abuse.
In a communiqué at the end of their maiden meeting in Kaduna Monday, the governors' wives identified areas of cooperation to include the HIV AIDS scourge, street hawking, child abuse, child rape and neglect, women and youths empowerment and child trafficking. Chairperson of the forum Mrs. Binta Murtala Nyako who read the three-paragraph communiqué also listed girl- child education, maternal health and child care as other problem areas the forum would jointly address.
In a welcome address, wife of the Kaduna State governor Mrs.Hajiya Amina Sambo stated that the forum would afford the governors' wives the opportunity to rub minds and chart a course for the common good of the participating states, noting that, "As wives and mothers, our role is supportive, especially in mobilizing people towards understand-ing and supporting the various policies put in place by our various husbands." She was optimistic that by coming together, the forum would be able to identify areas that would be beneficial to all the states and that they would form a network where they could support one another in their projects.
Mrs. Sambo used the occasion to advocate for the formation of wives of governors in the federation, stressing; "The forum of governors' wives when formed will go a long way in addressing problems of society instead of the region as is obtained now. This will also enable first ladies speak with one voice."
Commenting on the problem of HIV AIDS scourge in the region, the governor's wife said; "The total figure for the north as a whole is not any better, which means there's a lot of work to be done." She disclosed that available record indicate that "Every minute a child under 15 years dies of an AIDS related illness, another child becomes HIV positive and four youths between the ages of 15 and 24 years contact HIV."
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