By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
GOMBE — More than 6,000 women from across Gombe State on Wednesday converged on the APC Square, Gombe, for the maiden Gombe Women’s Unity and Progress Summit convened by Dr Zainab Jamil Gwamna.
The summit, held under the theme, “Stronger Voices, United Women, Greater Impact,” brought together women from the state’s 11 local government areas and 13 Local Council Development Areas, including entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, political stakeholders and women advocates.
According to a statement by Ibrahim Sani Shawai, spokesperson to the APC governorship candidate in Gombe State, Dr Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, the summit was designed to promote unity, empowerment, mentorship and greater participation of women in governance and socio-economic development.
Speaking at the event, the convener, Dr Zainab Gwamna, said the initiative was aimed at building a united women’s movement capable of supporting one another and creating opportunities for younger generations.
“This summit is about bringing Gombe women together to discover our collective strength and understand that the success of one woman should open doors for another,” she said.
“We must mentor our young girls, support women in business and professions, strengthen our families and contribute meaningfully to our communities.”
Gwamna commended the turnout, describing it as an indication of the potential of women to contribute to social and economic development.
She also commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for programmes targeted at women and youths, while appreciating her husband, Dr Jamil Gwamna, for his support.
The convener urged participants to take the lessons and relationships developed at the summit back to their communities, with emphasis on mentoring young girls, skills acquisition, confidence building and economic self-reliance.
Also speaking, the wife of the Gombe State Governor, Dr Asma’u Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, commended the initiative and the turnout of women from across the state.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to programmes aimed at improving the welfare, empowerment and economic wellbeing of women and youths.
“Women are indispensable partners in the development of our families, communities and the state,” she said.
“I commend Dr Zainab Gwamna for bringing women together through this important summit and for creating a platform where they can learn, connect and support one another.”
Dr Asma’u encouraged the participants to sustain the spirit of unity, cooperation and mutual support demonstrated at the gathering.
Participants from different professional and community backgrounds also commended the initiative, saying sustained collaboration, mentorship and economic empowerment were important to increasing women’s participation in development.
Some participants expressed optimism that the networks established at the summit would continue beyond the event and create opportunities for women and young girls across the state.
The gathering also had political undertones, with some political stakeholders saying the mobilisation could strengthen the grassroots support base of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the central message of the summit was the need for women to support one another, mentor younger generations and use collective action to promote social and economic development in Gombe State.
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