The National High level Women Advocates (HiLWA) has recognized and awarded Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, Wife of Kebbi State Governor with a certificate of appreciation for her selfless service to the Girl Child and humanity in general, during the High level Women Advocates (HiLWA) National appreciation ceremony at the auditorium of Teachers training Centre Gusau, Zamfara State, on the 21 November 2020. Her Excellency’s award was recieved by Haj Saratu Katuka Yelwa, a Hilwa member and wife of HC Lands and Housing. Also recognized was HRH the Emir of Argungu Alh Samaila Muhammed Mera, who was present and has been a long standing advocate of girl child education. In addition were HE Haj Mariya Waziri Tambuwal and Haj Hadiza Abubakar, wives of Sokoto and former Bauchi governors respectively.

Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a Consultant Paediatrician, has long been a loud voice in the fight against cancer, with long standing interest in advocating for the rights of Women and Children. The platform of First Lady of Kebbi State, has turned her into a role model for young women in the State and beyond.

Earlier participants had paid a courtesy call on HE Bello Matawalle, the host governor of Zamfara state.

It was no surprise that Her Excellency was honored at the event, considering what she has achieved in making sure that the school enrollment of Girl Child in Kebbi has tremendously improved. She is the patron and supporting structure of HILWA KEBBI, a UNICEF Nigeria led program. Hilwa Kebbi working with rulers of Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru has toured the 4 emirates increasing school enrollment, provided uniforms for girls, provided a motor cycle in a hard to reach school, successfully advocated for more females in education positions, school renovations amongst others.

Haj Binta Abdulhamid
Hilwa Kebbi PRO