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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Thousands of women from Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency on Saturday trooped out en masse to show solidarity to the member representing them in the green chamber of the National Assembly, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, for his efforts in making life easier for them.
The women, under the aegis of Women for Gagdi, said that they’re honouring him and for what he has done and continues to do for women and children through our the federal constituency without discrimination.
Convener, Women for Gagdi, Zakiyah Usman Zumunta, speaking at the rally, which started at Pankshin stadium and ended at Gagdi’s state constituency office, said that the women were happy at his empowerment programmes, especially in education by paying WAEC, NECO, and JAMB fees for many people, skill acquisition programmes in tailoring, hair making, and assisting indigent women with funds to start trading.
She said, “We are here today in honor of the Right Honourable Yusuf Adamu Gagdi to commemorate his one year in office. We have representatives of women from the 36 Federal Wards of Panskhin, Kanke, and Kanam. We are gathered here in Panskhin, at the constituency office and the support foundation hall, to talk about issues that affect us as women and to discuss the Gagdi’s achievements over the past year.
“He has done so many things for our communities. We are here to show support, encourage him to do more, and let him know that the women stand with him.
“The women give the votes, and now the women are rising up. We are here to participate in community development and also in politics. The women are here to tell him that we believe in his vision, in his aspirations, and we love him so much. We are here to show him support and also support our communities.
“Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu Gagdi does not know sentiment. His ideology does not care about religion, tribal extractions, or party affiliations. In one way or another, he has touched everybody’s life. Even on a personal level, whether it’s your child, your cousin, or your brother, he has made an impact. If you look at education, he pays for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB fees for many people.
“Before now, there were many people who had to go to the stream to get water, but thanks to him, people have access to clean water in our wards, down to the polling unit level. Someone who once struggled to have access to a well now has a borehole in front of his house.
“If you look at the rate of Plateau youths gaining employment all over Nigeria, you would be proud that someone like Gagdi is representing Plateau. As far as I’m concerned, he’s not just representing the good people of PKK. The development he is bringing to Plateau State makes us proud. You cannot compare him to any other member out there. When you meet people outside Plateau State, they say, ‘You’re from Plateau State, yes? Do you know Gagdi?’ He is making us proud, and we are happy
Coordinator of Women for Gagdi in Kanke, Mrs. Anne Suwa Dimka, and her Pankshin counterpart, Mrs. Nenrot Bridget Tunkura, speaking in the same vein, said that they also used the occasion to celebrate Gagdi’s one year in office and to appreciate him for what he had done for them and to encourage him to do more.
Dimka said, “We expect more empowerment programs. Women, especially in rural areas, are often the breadwinners for their families. Many of these women are uneducated and engage in petty businesses that no longer provide sufficient income.
“We have proposed a plan to deliberately target and empower these mothers in each of the constituencies. In Kanke, we have 10 federal wards; in Pankshin, we have 12; and in Kanam, we have 14. We need to strategically select women from these wards, train them in various skills, and provide capital to expand their businesses.
Gagdi, who spoke through his Senior Legislative Aide, Josiah Samuel Takora, said that he appreciated the women for recognising his efforts for his constituents.
He said, “As you can see, the women of Pankshin, Kanke, and Kanam have come out in their numbers. This gathering is a testament to their self-motivation and dedication. They have decided to join forces with their representative, Honourable Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, whom they deeply believe in.
“Honourable Gagdi is a leader who inspires confidence and hope in his constituents. These women, drawn from all the wards of our constituency, have come together on their own accord, demonstrating their unwavering support. It is especially noteworthy that they have traveled from far and wide, some from very remote areas, to be here today. They even paid for their own transportation.
“The excitement and joy on their faces are palpable as they celebrate Honourable Gagdi’s one year in office. This celebration extends from the national level down to the state, and yet, such a gathering of thousands of women in one constituency is indeed extraordinary.”
Gagdi expressed his commitment to continue in his empowerment programmes not only for women, but for young men and children.
