By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Gombe State Government has announced plans to open bank accounts for 100 survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as part of efforts to support their financial inclusion and reduce street begging among vulnerable persons in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, disclosed this during the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) in Gombe.
She said the initiative is aimed at empowering survivors economically and helping them rebuild their lives.
According to her, the ministry will bear the cost of opening the bank accounts and provide additional support to the beneficiaries to enable them start small economic activities.
Iganus also called on wealthy individuals and philanthropists in the state to support vulnerable persons in their communities.
She urged well-to-do residents to assist at least five to ten survivors of gender-based violence, noting that such interventions would help reduce the number of people begging on the streets.
Representing the wife of the Gombe State Governor, Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, the commissioner said the International Women’s Day celebration underscores the need for collective efforts toward women’s empowerment and gender equality.
She commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his continued commitment to programmes aimed at improving the welfare of women and vulnerable groups in the state.
Some of the vulnerable persons interviewed at the event described the initiative as timely and laudable, expressing appreciation to the state government for the gesture.
