UN Women Focal Person, Ambassador Fatima Mohd Paga, Lauds Yobe Government's Akara Sellers Support Initiative




By Ibrahim Shaibu, Damaturu 

For Ambassador Fatima Mohd Paga, the UN Women Focal Person for Yobe State, the fight for women's economic empowerment is personal, urgent, and deeply connected to the everyday struggles of the women she serves. That is why, when the Yobe State Government rolled out a support package for bean cake (akara) sellers complete with energy-efficient stoves, bags of beans, and cooking oil ,she did not hesitate to speak out in strong commendation.

In a press statement released to journalists in Damaturu, Ambassador Fatima Paga,a seasoned diplomat and gender advocate, described the intervention as a "significant step" that addresses the intersecting challenges of poverty, environmental degradation, and gender inequality.

"This intervention is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy, reducing dependence on traditional cooking methods, and improving the livelihoods of women who make up the majority of small-scale food vendors," Paga declared.

She emphasized that the initiative, implemented through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Empowerment under Governor Mai Mala Buni's administration, goes beyond mere charity it is a strategic investment in the backbone of Yobe's informal economy.

Ambassador Paga, who has long advocated for gender-responsive governance in Northeast Nigeria, noted that by easing production costs and promoting cleaner cooking alternatives, the government is tackling the root causes of financial instability among female vendors.

"By easing production costs and encouraging cleaner cooking solutions, this initiative contributes to poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and women's economic empowerment," she stated.

Her endorsement carries significant weight. Under her leadership, the UN Women Yobe office has consistently pushed for policies that recognize women not as passive beneficiaries, but as active drivers of community resilience. This programme, she affirmed, fits that vision perfectly.

Ambassador Paga further announced that UN Women has officially recognized the Yobe State Government's programme as a practical example of climate-responsive and gender-inclusive governance a rare designation that positions Yobe as a model for other states in the region.

"Investing in women-owned businesses not only strengthens household incomes but also advances sustainable development and community resilience," she added.

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