"Our Doors are Always Open" - Honourable Kofulto.

By Catherine Philip Jelani

The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mrs. Neido Geoffrey Kofulto told a delegation from CRUDAN who were on a courtesy visit at her office, Tuesday.

Mrs. Kofulto appreciated the Organisation for bringing her on board for the advocacy. She said that the doors of the Ministry are open for progress and Development.  " It's a very important thing that the nation and the world at large should recognise the role of women. We are mothers, we are teachers, we are the first teacher that the child meets before going to school that's why they said Charity begins at home."

That's why they said if you educate a woman you educate the nation" 

According to her, most places headed by women are doing much better especially if a man was there, by the time a woman takes over, it becomes different. " I think its easier for women to go out there and make a change or a difference." Says Mrs Kofulto.

The Program Manager CRUDAN, Mr Bulus Garba who was also the Leader of the delegation said, CRUDAN is a Christian Non Governmental Organisation which have its members individuals and corporate Organisation who are interested in Developmental work across the country with its head quarter in Jos, zonal offices across the country and here in the northeast, the zonal office is in Yola.

While stating the purpose of the visit, he said, " we are here to introduce a new project that has been launched, and the title of the project is : Enhancing Womens' Voices and Agencies within the State and local institutions in Adamawa." He said that CRUDAN is going to work with GIZ in the implementation of the project.

He explained that the project is aimed at ensuring that women are considered in appointments at all levels and that their needs are reflected in State and local Agenda setting. He added that the project has two objectives which are; to ensure that women are appointed in position of leadership at the leadership at the local and state governments, and to institutionalize a gender responsive budgeting, planning, and monitoring.

The Project will also build the capacity of women in advocacy, lubying and leadership. However, " we are here to basically advocate for your support because we consider you one of the major stakeholders that will support this project implementation considering the Ministry's ability in information desemination." Says the Program Manager. 

Lastly, Bulus appealed that the Commissioner considers delegating her Staff for active participation in their program adding that at the end of the day, an advocacy group that would help take the advocacy to the Governor and other stakeholders who  would pusb for the need to increase the number of women in Governance at all levels in the State be formed