Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Paga, the Focal Person for UN Women to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, has taken a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to gender equality and peace. On Tuesday, she presented the Yobe State Action Plan II (YSAP II) on Women, Peace, and Security to the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiroma A. Buba, for ratification.
Ambassador Paga’s presentation underscores her pivotal role in advancing women’s rights and promoting peace within Yobe State. The YSAP II, which was reviewed and refined following a collaborative retreat in December 2024, organized by UN Women alongside the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), the Norwegian Embassy, and German Cooperation, aims to institutionalize policies that empower women and foster a peaceful community.
During the event, Ambassador Paga expressed her gratitude to the assembly members for their unwavering support. “Your support in this regard cannot be overemphasized. I sincerely appreciate you all,” she stated, emphasizing the critical role of the assembly in turning policy plans into action. She highlighted YSAP II as not just a document but a strategic framework for promoting inclusivity and peace in Yobe.
Speaker Chiroma A. Buba reciprocated the appreciation, praising Ambassador Paga for her dedication and expertise. “Ambassador Fatima has proven herself as a capable and experienced leader who excels in all assignments given to her by Governor Mai Mala Buni,” he remarked, promising a thorough review and swift action towards the ratification of YSAP II.
The ratification of this action plan is seen as a beacon of hope for many in Yobe State, aiming to enhance efforts in women’s empowerment and peacebuilding. Ambassador Paga’s work with UN Women has been instrumental in bringing these issues to the forefront of legislative discussions, ensuring that the voices of women are heard in the corridors of power.
As Yobe State looks forward to implementing YSAP II, the focus remains on Ambassador Fatima Mohammed Paga, whose leadership and advocacy have been central to bringing this transformative plan closer to reality. Her work not only highlights the importance of women in peace processes but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in integrating gender perspectives into security policies.
