By JOHN E. GABRIEL

SATURDAY 10th November, 2007 will always be remembered in the life of the people of Kaduna State as people from all works of life gathered at Catholic Social Centre, Independence Way, Kaduna to witness the presentation of awards in recognition of the contribution made by distinguished southern Kaduna women to the development of Jaba people and Kaduna State generally.
Present at the award ceremony were; Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Amina Yakowa, former Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Charity Shekari, Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry of Information, Chief (Mrs.) Hannatu Ugah and host of others.
The hall was filled to capacity as women, men, and children sat quietly focusing their attention towards the pulpit as they were entertained with cultural dances that lasted more than 20 minutes. Twenty women were presented with the awards in various categories. The first five women were presented with “Women of Distinction” award.
The initiator of the award, Pastor (Mrs.) Love Maikano, a devoted Christian, said the beneficiaries have contributed to the wellbeing of the society as no amount of honour done to them can quantify their contribution and to encourage them.
Mrs. Charity Shekari was awarded with “women of distinction” for her contribution to the development of the state. She was appointed special assistant to former Governor Mohammed Makarfi in 2003, and was reappointed in 2005. She was the president of the National Grassroots Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State chapter, the initiator and executive director of Gender Progressive Empowerment Initiative (GPE); a non-governmental organization, a member of the Southern Kaduna State Creation Committee; coordinator of Miyetti Allah, Kaduna State for Makarfi in 2003.
Mrs. Shekari was also a member of the Reconciliation Committee for Makarfi in 2003 and the Flood Disaster Committee Kaduna, in 2003. She is the leader of the Concerned Mothers of Kaduna State and was made a matron of the following organizations: The Patriotic Youth Movement Kaduna, the Humanitarian Peace League Nigeria and the Minds Alike Kaduna State.
Mrs. Shekari has consistently and tirelessly proven her passion for mobilizing people for the purpose of development. This is evident by the numerous awards she has received in recognition among which include; merit award for communal development and peace-keeping by Patriotic Youth Movement Kaduna South; grassroots achievement award by the National Grassroots Association of Nigeria, International Youth Ambassador by the National Youth Action for Development and Employment, given in recognition and appreciation of her dedicated and selfless contribution towards humanity and youth development Mrs. Charity Shekari is a woman who has ceaselessly advocated the cause of the women and youths in the society. A mother, politician and a woman with a strong sense of justice and fairness.
Mrs. Nenadi E. Usman, a beneficiary of the award was not present at the award giving ceremony, she was conferred with “EG Women of Distinction Gold Award” in recognition of her contribution during and after her tenure as honourable commissioner, women affairs youths and social development, Kaduna State, honourable commissioner environment and natural resources Mrs. Nenadi E. Usman a one time minister of Federal Ministry of Finance and honourable minister aside from being a cabinet member in the Federal Executive Council, one time member Kaduna State caucus of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), member elect House of Representatives for Kachia/Kagarko Federal constituency under UNDP. She was coordinator women mobilization for Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi campaign team. In 2003 she was the chairman, women mobilization committee for Governor Makarfi’s re-election campaign committee.
Mrs. Nenadi E. Usman has contributed towards executing several community development projects, like the provision of free rural healthcare units, sensitization and empowerment of women in politics. She has at various times given support to religious and private organizations in project development. She has been a statutory representative of Nigeria in international organizations which include; IDB Governor (Islamic Development Bank); Governor, African Capacity Building Foundation, Zimbabwe, Alternate Governor, African Development Bank; member investment mission ABU/DHABI, United Arab Emirate.
Mrs. Amina Elizabeth Yakowa, wife of the Deputy Governor was conferred with an award of “EG Women of Distinction Gold Award” for her contribution towards women empowerment, creating awareness on the ills of child labour, gender discrimination as well as mobilizing women for effective participation in nation building and development.
Mrs. Sarah Gandu (J.P) a beneficiary of the award has a publication to her credit “The effect of government policies on textile industries in Nigeria (1983 – 1993) a case study of UNTL Plc., Kaduna.”
“EG Woman of Distinction Gold Award” was conferred on Reverend Mrs. Mercy Macjones due to her contribution towards establishing a chaplain command in the FCT Abuja where she trains chaplains and commission them to the field. Prolific writer, and has published a book on women of destiny.
Mrs. Franca Hajaratu Jatau, coordinator of Ministry for the Hurt, an organization dedicated to assist the less privileged and destitute in the society. As part of her commitment to the course of the Lord’s work, she serves as a board member, and director of Finance of Christ Gospel Church, a member of the board of trustees for Hope Revival Ministries, Kwoi.
Other beneficiaries of the award include; Ruth Vera Zachs Ishaku a committed Christian, developed interest in community development through the power of the Holy Spirit who she said is the source of her inspiration Deaconess Ruth, a born again Christian was recognized for her contribution in the area of community development efforts, Christian moral values, through singing, and evangelism.
Mrs. Christiana Saranke Lekwat was recognized and awarded “EG Women of Distinction,” award for her meritorious services. She is a member of the National Council of Women Society of Nigeria. She was treasurer of Kabzeyan Women Association (an NGO) from 1983 – 1988. She was a member of the Governing Council, College of Education Kafanchan, member, Kaduna State Community Relation Committee, member Kaduna State Amateur Hockey Association, member, Committee on Science and Technology, Ministry of Education Kaduna. She is a trustee, Peaceful Women Association of Nigeria (PWAN), member Ambassador for peace international among others.
Honourable Mrs. Ruth Jumai Ango was recognized for contribution in human right crusade, and rural development advocate, Patron, National Council for Women Society, member, PDP, immediate past member of the House of Representatives, a woman advocate feminist rights defender, and friend of the oppressed. She represents one voice that consistently champion the course of women especially, economic, and political empowerment across the country, under the auspices of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).
While in the House of Representatives, Honourable Jumai was the chairman, House Committee on Rural Electrification as well as committee on NAFDAC, member, Women Affairs and Youth Development as well as Committee on Emergency Preparedness. Ruth is a recipient of several awards; merit award of excellence, philanthropist award, northern Nigerian women of merit award, 2005, merit award for effective and fair representation in the parliament, merit award best women politician of the year. Honourable award for selfless community service and contribution to humanity, northern leadership award for the upliftment of democracy in Nigeria, women of honour award, FSP award in appreciation of her active participation in the establishment of the FSP chapter in Taraba State, Jewel is our crown award, Gimbiya Sokapu award among others.
Mrs. Mercy Alex Ngarshan was recognized for been a train of the trainers’ workshop on VCT for PMTCT on infant feeding on the context of HIV. Actualizing nursing education reforms among others.
Mrs. Patricia Jumai Danmaida, a philanthropist, putting smiles on the faces of those in need, training the orphan, disabled children and widows. She was recognized for the contributions made within and outside Kaduna State.
Pastor Esther Dauda Maiwa’azi was recognized for her role in sincerity of purpose, patriotism, and vision of empowerment for women. She is an acclaimed counsellor and exemplary leader in prayers. She founded and leading a dynamic Women Ministry known as “women on the altar.”
Mrs. Lydia D. Sule was recognized for her interest in keeping peace within the community when the need arise.
In an interview with New Nigerian after the award, Mrs. Charity Shekari said, she was happy and grateful to God for making it possible for her to be part of the beneficiaries. She said, “I thought nobody sees me in all the humanitarian services I do, though am not doing it for people to see. I want to improve the life of less privilege.”
Mrs. Shekari, who was accompanied by members of her family, her church members, said in everything you do, have the fear of God in mind, one day, the reward will come unexpected.
The chairlady of the occasion who is also one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Amina Yakowa embraced women to rise up to the challenges ahead of them, adding that, women should see this award as a motivating factor to enable them contribute more to the development of the state. Mrs. Yakowa donated 200,000 Naira unbehalf of the women.
The highlight of the occasion was the dedication of the magazine titled “Voice of Esther.” The coloured magazine which has 31 pages bears the pictures of southern Kaduna women who have distinguished themselves by contributing to the development of Kaduna State.
Page 2 and 3 of the magazine contains the message from the pioneer/visioner of the award, Mrs. Love Maikano while the rest of the pages contain the pictures of the beneficiaries, qualification, achievement and various awards received in the past.