Kebbi secures $70 million World Bank grant to strengthen girl child education
By Auwal Ilyasu, Birnin Kebbi
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State on Saturday disclosed that the state government has secured 70 million dollars as a grant from World Bank to strengthen Adolescent Girl Child Education in the state.
The Governor, who stated this at the 5th Kebbi State Women Ramadan Lecture Series in Birnin Kebbi, assured that with the grant Adolescent Girls and other females in the state will be taught more skills, as well as formal and non-formal education.
He said that such skills will enable the girls to be more productive and self-reliant, even in their matrimonial homes. “The good news is that the more we invest in women, the more prosperous our society will be,” the governor said.
He noted that the grant will complement the various programs and policies aimed at making life better for the girl child, women and other vulnerable groups in the northern state.
Speaking at the lecture, which was titled “The Fundamental Role of Women in Islam.” wife of the governor, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, who was the organizer and convener of the Ramadan Lecture Series, said that the successes of the Ramadan period depends on women for their contribution not just their homes but to the society at large.
She remarked that the preparation of the Sahoor and Iftar meals and making sure the family stays together to fully get the benefits of the blessed month of Ramadan.
She called on the Muslim Ummah to redouble their efforts in Sadaqah community engagements in order to keep the youths safe especially after the Taraweeh prayers.
“We must also appreciate the tireless efforts of our husbands, fathers, sons and brothers, especially during this month where we seek Allah’s blessings and reward,’ the Kebbi First Lady said.
Speaking on the effects of COVID-19, Dr Bagudu said: ‘Islamic culture, spiritual and theological dimensions offer Muslims a myriad of ways to cope.
“The practice of isolation is not new in Islam (ie Halwa or Itiqaf) and can be spent on getting closer to Allah, takwa, strengthening family bonds and many other charitable deeds.
“As Muslim women, we contribute a lot to not just our homes but to the society at large and a huge part of the successes of Ramadan period depends on us.
“That said, we can do more to ease the month for many who may not be as blessed as some,” Mrs Bagudu said.
Kebbi secures $70 million World Bank grant to strengthen girl child education