By Solomon Attah, Abuja
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has identified gender equity and increased female participation in governance as critical drivers of national development.
Kefas stated this on Monday while speaking at the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration organised by the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Abuja.
The event, themed “Communicate to Balance: Gain Equity, Empower Women,” attracted top government officials, First Ladies, ministers, and communication professionals to examine strategies for advancing women’s role in nation-building.
In his address, the governor stressed that no nation can achieve sustainable development without harnessing the full potential of its female population, calling for deliberate policies that promote women’s inclusion in leadership and decision-making processes.
He noted that his administration in Taraba State has taken concrete steps to institutionalized gender inclusion, citing the appointment of women into key cabinet and strategic positions as part of efforts to drive inclusive governance.
According to Kefas, empowering women not only strengthens democratic institutions but also enhances socio-economic development and ensures more balanced and effective policy outcomes.
He urged leaders across the country to prioritise gender-responsive governance by translating commitments into actionable policies capable of closing existing gaps in women’s representation.
Stakeholders at the event said the governor’s position underscores the growing consensus that gender equity and female participation remain indispensable to achieving sustainable national development.
