Women development: Group hails Asabe’s appointment as DG NCWD

By Stanley Onyekwere

The co-conveners of African Women Conference have commended President Muhammadu Buhari over the appointment of Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, as the Director General of National Centre for Women Development  (NCWD).

The group, in a statement issued in Abuja described the Director General as a woman of profound character, integrity, hardwork and dedication to the services of humanity.

The statement signed by the Co-convener of African Women Conference, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, and made available to journalists pledged the readiness to support any programme or policy that would contribute to nation building especially addressing challenges of women, children and education in the country.

The group, however, tasked the Director General to use her present position to focus more on bottom top approach on the development of women, stressing that rural women are more vulnerable.

It reads in parts; “We are very delighted over the appointment of Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, as the Director General of National Centre for Women Development by President Muhammadu Buhari. It is a well deserved appointment.

“Going by her pedigree as a lawmaker and astute politician, she is a woman who has contributed immensely to nation building especially on issues that affect women and children. Also, at the regional and continental levels, she has been a voice to the voiceless.

“We therefore call on her to use her present position to focus more on the development of rural women who are more vulnerable in the present economic realities, and we are ready to support her in the implementation of programmes and policies gear towards the development of women and children in the country”.

Ahmadu called on all hands to be on deck to ensure that women are equipped with all relevant information to adapt to the post Covid-19 reality that has led to new normal.

Recall that Dr. Asabe Vilita Bashir, before her appointment as Director General of National Centre for Women Development was elected Member, Borno State House of Assembly, twice 1997 and 2003.

Later, Member Borno State Executive Council from 2005 to 2014 as Commissioner (Ministry of Health; Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Ministry of Housing and Rural Electrification; Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Youth Empowerment Ministry of Women Affairs and Youth Development.

She was elected to the House of Representatives where she represented Gwoza, Damboa and Chibok Federal Constituency between 2015 to 2019.