No fewer than six thousand women from across Gombe State were invited to a massive women empowerment programme by the wife of the APC governorship candidate, Dr Zaynab Gwamna, which took place Wednesday afternoon.
However, the Gombe State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has picked holes in the event as it alleged that the PVCs and other biometric details of the beneficiaries were collected as a condition for enjoying the empowerment, reports Daily Independent.
The empowerment programme was organised under, Gombe Women’s Unity and Progress Summit with the theme, “Stronger Voice, United Women, Greater Impact” and is being sponsored by the wife of the Gombe APC Governorship candidate, Dr Zaynab Gwamna, CEO, Family Trust and Care Foundation.
But in an address before the distribution of the empowerment, wife of the APC Governorship candidate in the 2027 general election, Dr Zaynab Gwamna, described the summit as a defining moment for a conversation on where Gombe women want to be in future.
She said young women in Gombe State deserve a bright future, a place to build their career and a place where widows can build themselves. “We want a Gombe for our daughters where their voice matter”, she pointed out.
While rolling out the positive impact women can play and their journey so far, despite their daunting challenges, she applauded their resilience and called for a change in the mindset of women who see another woman’s success as a threat.
“Women must help each other, mentor others, our faith should not be just a profession but true love. Women must refuse to allow fear to define their future”, she challenged women While urging them to connect, identify vulnerable persons and support them.
According to her, the summit was convened because of her belief that women have strength. They can be a door, and opportunity for others to see purpose and grow, while thanking Governor Inuwa Yahaya and his wife for the enabling environment to exhibit her best for the people of Gombe State. She also thanked her husband, Dr Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna for giving her the opportunity to touch the lives of women and people of Gombe State.
Several influential women, including the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, who sent a goodwill message, encouraged women to continue to translate their God-given potential into nation building.
The State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Aishatu Ahmed, said no fewer than six thousand women from across Gombe State were invited for the support and called on them to build bridges and continue to support the ruling party as more benefits from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Inuwa Yahaya are on the way.
But while the event was ongoing, a statement obtained by our correspondent and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Abdulkadir Ahmad Dukku, the party expressed strong concern over the alleged action, noting that if the state government genuinely wished to distribute any kind of free support, it should be done freely, transparently and without coercion to surrender sensitive personal information.
“The attention of the PDP, Gombe State, has been drawn to information going round that the APC Government in the State under Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, is collecting personal details such as account number, voters card and thump print from unsuspecting individuals in the name of disbursing palliative to the people”, the statement said.
It cautioned individuals in the State not to give out their personal details to people they described as unpatriotic elements for whatever reasons or material benefit.
“Be warned that your voters card is your weapon during the forthcoming elections in order to bring about purposeful leadership in Gombe State”, the statement cautioned.
