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Nasarawa Women Equipped for Success in Mining Sector Through WIMIN, Ford Foundation Partnership
By Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a strategic push to empower Nasarawa State’s vulnerable women, the Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN), with the support of the Ford Foundation, has completed a comprehensive three-day training aimed at equipping women with skills in gemstone processing, salt production, and related mining industries. Organized in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Ministry of Women Affairs, the training was part of an initiative focused on helping survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) achieve economic independence.
Dr. Engr. Janet Adeyemi, President of WIMIN, highlighted the program’s significance in building a sustainable livelihood for these women. “This initiative is about more than training,” she explained. “It’s about fostering resilience, financial independence, and breaking barriers for women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.”
The training also marked the inauguration of a newly re-opened shelter in Nasarawa, designed to support SGBV survivors. Dr. Adeyemi noted, “The shelter offers more than safety; it provides a foundation for women to start anew, equipping them with the skills to sustain themselves and contribute meaningfully to the mining sector.”
Focus on Inclusivity and Localized Mineral Processing
The program included hands-on training in gemstone faceting, polishing, and sorting, illustrating WIMIN’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in mining. Dr. Adeyemi emphasized, “Our aim is to not only involve women in mining but to position them as leaders within this sector. We want to ensure that the economic benefits stay within our communities.”
Dr. Adeyemi also shared success stories from previous training programs, remarking, “Women trained in these skills are now financially independent, supporting their families through small businesses in gemstone and salt production.”
State Government Applauds Initiative
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Hajiya Aisha Rufa’l Ibrahim, commended the initiative’s impact on both economic growth and social empowerment for women. “The collaboration between WIMIN, Ford Foundation, and the state government is transformative,” she stated. “It’s uplifting women and providing them with the tools they need to become economically self-sufficient.”
Hajiya Rufa’l acknowledged Governor Abdullahi Sule’s ongoing support for industrial development in the state, adding, “The commitment to local processing has ensured that the benefits of our natural resources remain here, creating jobs and empowering communities.”
Combatting Gender-Based Violence Through Awareness
WIMIN also introduced an educational booklet on gender-based violence and available resources for women in mining communities. Dr. Adeyemi described it as a vital tool for safeguarding women’s rights. “This handbook is designed to educate women about their rights and provide resources for reporting any issues they may face,” she explained.
Segun Tomori, a representative from Ford Foundation, emphasized the organization’s dedication to women’s safety and empowerment, saying, “We’re committed to creating an environment where women not only succeed in mining but are protected from gender-based violence.”
Participants Speak on Their New Skills
For participants like Maryam Ibrahim, the training has been transformative. “I had no knowledge of gemstone processing before this program,” she shared. “Now, I’m equipped to start a business, and I’m grateful for the chance to support my family.” Another trainee, Grace Musa, noted, “This training has shown me that women can have a significant impact in mining, and I’m ready to make my mark.”
New Leadership for WIMIN in Nasarawa
During the event, WIMIN inaugurated its Nasarawa State chapter, with Dr. Rhoda Idakunla, a seasoned mining expert, appointed as president. Dr. Idakunla expressed her vision for the chapter, saying, “We look forward to driving positive change and opening more doors for women in the mining industry.”
This partnership between WIMIN and Ford Foundation marks a milestone in empowering women in Nasarawa, transforming their lives through skills that bridge the gap between vulnerability and economic independence.
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill has moved to the state level following its consideration by the National Assembly, paving the way for state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments.
The development comes amid renewed attention on constitutional reform and ongoing discussions over proposed changes to Nigeria’s governing framework.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has defended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over allegations surrounding borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi Agbese, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, rejected claims that Wike had undertaken borrowing without the knowledge or approval of the National Assembly.
Agbese said the FCT minister could not independently create a sovereign borrowing obligation, stressing that public borrowing is subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative procedures.
“Wike has committed no infraction in borrowings. There is no basis for the allegation that he has been borrowing money behind the back of the National Assembly,” Agbese said.
He explained that borrowing to finance infrastructure was not unlawful where the required approvals and procedures had been followed.
“Borrowing for infrastructure development is not unlawful in itself, provided the prescribed approvals and procedures are followed,” he added.
The House spokesperson further argued that an increase in the FCT’s debt profile should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal borrowing, citing the scale of infrastructure projects being undertaken in Abuja under Wike.
According to Agbese, the key issue is whether the appropriate approvals were obtained for specific borrowing transactions, rather than simply whether the FCT’s overall debt profile has increased.
The comments come as scrutiny continues over public borrowing, infrastructure financing and the legal procedures governing government debt at both the federal and sub-national levels.
By Fabian Apechihin
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its intention to contest the 2027 presidential election despite the decision of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The party said Wike’s decision was personal and did not alter its position to participate in the presidential election with its candidate, Senator Sandy Onor. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, made the clarification on Wednesday.
According to the party, a recent conversation between Wike and Onor should not be interpreted as a political negotiation between the minister and the PDP.
“He told Nigerians that Sandy is his friend. And they only had a friendly discussion within the umbrella of friendship. So, that is just a personal discussion between him and his friend,” Mohammed said.
He added that Wike’s support for Tinubu did not prevent the PDP from fielding candidates for the presidential, governorship and legislative elections.
Wike had earlier clarified that his support in 2027 was specifically for Tinubu’s presidential re-election and did not amount to an agreement that the PDP would withdraw from other electoral contests. He also said he never promised that the PDP would abandon its candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.
“I said I will support the President from day one. I never told Mr President I will join APC,” Wike said.
The minister also maintained that his proposed Rainbow Coalition was not an arrangement with the All Progressives Congress (APC), but rather a platform through which politicians from different parties could mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election.
The issue has generated disagreement with some APC governors, who have expressed concern about a political arrangement that could affect the party’s candidates at other levels.
APC Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, said the governors would not support any alliance or arrangement that could weaken the APC or adversely affect its candidates.
Meanwhile, APC presidential campaign council spokesperson Ima Niboro has urged Wike and APC governors to end their public exchanges and concentrate on political mobilisation.
“When I said tone down the rhetoric, I do not mean stop working. Stop talking, go and work,” Niboro said.
He urged political leaders to strengthen their grassroots structures and engage directly with voters rather than continue exchanging statements in the media.
“All this shouting is not taking anybody anywhere. Go and work. Go and establish your authority on your political base,” he said.
HONOURABLE JAFAARU YAKUBU COMMISERATES WITH QATAR OVER THE DEATH OF RULER
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