Ahmadu Bello University’s Students' Representative Council (SRC), in partnership with the Office of the Ambassador for Gender Equality (SDGs), on Saturday held a leadership summit themed “Empower Women, Empower the Nation” at the Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, main Campus, Zaria.
The event, which attracted prominent dignitaries and student leaders from across the country, featured leadership training sessions, capacity-building workshops, networking opportunities, panel discussion, awards presentations, and free certification for participants.
The summit was graced by notable personalities, including the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed (represented by Professor Salahu Junaidu, Dean of Student Affairs); Professor Maryam Aminu, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences; Professor Rahinatu Lawal, Director of Gender Affairs; Honorable Jamilu Abubakar Albany, who chaired the occasion; Honorable Aisha Ibrahim, the keynote speaker; Ambassador Fatima Zarah Bashir,
Founder of Seed Change Initiative, who is also the First female Fulani students union president; and ABU SRC President Ibrahim Nazir Kallah; and several directors, CEOs, and student leaders.
In her welcome address, Professor Maryam Aminu, representing the ABU Alumni Association President, emphasized the importance of the initiative and urged students to take full advantage of the learning opportunities presented at the event. Delivering the Vice Chancellor’s remarks, Professor Salahu Junaidu commended the SRC for organizing the summit and encouraged students, particularly women; to embrace leadership roles. He described the initiative as a timely and strategic effort toward national development.
The keynote speaker, honorable Aisha Ibrahim, called for increased female participation in leadership, politics, and economic activities. “There’s nothing we dream of that cannot be a reality,” she said, urging young women to pursue their goals with courage and determination. She identified three critical areas for women’s empowerment: education, economic independence, and political representation.
Citing the low representation of women in Nigeria’s parliament to be only six percent, she stressed the need for more inclusive leadership. Aisha also shared her experience as a student entrepreneur, advocating for self-reliance among women. During the panel session, she spoke with Fatima Zakariyya about the inspiration she drew from her mother, describing her as the driving force behind her political journey.
Another panelist, Professor Rahinatu Lawal, outlined her responsibilities as the Director of Gender Affairs at ABU, which include promoting equal opportunities and fighting sexual harassment on campus. She also expressed concern over the low number of female beneficiaries of the Nelfund scheme, encouraging female students to apply.
Ambassador Fatima, the first female SRC president of ABU, shared her own leadership journey, encouraging women to view leadership not merely as a title but as a platform to effect positive change.
Hajiya Talatu Shehu, represented by Alhaji IsiyakuSuleiman, shared her story of perseverance, hard work, and service dating back to her undergraduate years. She echoed the message that gender equality is a catalyst for sustainable development.
Closing the event, SRC President, Ibrahim Nazir Kallah expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the summit. He reiterated the importance of women's involvement in leadership and urged students to make the most of opportunities like Nelfund.
Awards of excellence were presented to several distinguished individuals, including Professor SalahuJunaidu, Hon. Aisha Ibrahim, the Chairman of SabonGari Local Government, and the founder of the Seed Change Initiative.
The summit ended on a high note with renewed calls for inclusive leadership, gender equality, and youth empowerment in Nigeria’s development journey.
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