Jigawa First Lady Dr. Amina Umar Namadi Celebrates Dr. Salamatu Garba’s Humanitarian Footprint

By Abdullahi Kabir

The ancient palace of the Emir of Dutse was aglow with colour, tradition and purpose on Monday as humanitarian service took centre stage in Jigawa State.

In a ceremony that blended royal pageantry with social advocacy, the Chief Executive Officer of the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), Dr. Salamatu Garba, was turbaned as Garkuwan Matan Aujara, in recognition of her far-reaching contributions to women empowerment and humanitarian development.

The event was graced by Her Excellency, the First Lady of Jigawa State, Ambassador Dr. Amina Umar Namadi, fondly known as Garkuwan Matan Africa, whose presence underscored the state government’s commitment to inclusive growth and social protection for vulnerable groups.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Amina Umar Namadi praised Dr. Salamatu Garba for her unwavering dedication to uplifting women, children and persons living with disabilities across communities.

 She described the WOFAN boss as a symbol of hope whose interventions have continued to transform lives at the grassroots through practical, community-driven initiatives.

The First Lady urged the newly turbaned Garkuwan Matan Aujara to sustain her humanitarian momentum, particularly in supporting women and people living with disabilities, noting that such efforts are critical to building self-reliance, dignity and economic independence.

“Empowerment that touches lives directly is the foundation of sustainable development. Dr. Salamatu’s work reflects compassion with impact,” Dr.Amina Umar Namadi said.

As part of the ceremony, Dr. Salamatu Garba distributed various empowerment and relief items to beneficiaries drawn from Dutse and neighbouring communities.

The items included clothing materials, wheelchairs and tricycles—aimed at improving mobility, boosting livelihoods and enhancing economic inclusion among the less privileged.

In her response, Dr. Salamatu expressed deep appreciation to the Jigawa State First Lady for her consistent advocacy for women and children.

 She described Ambassador Dr. Amina Umar Namadi as “the light of Jigawa and the pride of its women and people,” urging her to continue championing policies and programmes that place the vulnerable at the centre of development.

She reaffirmed WOFAN’s commitment to complementing government efforts through targeted empowerment programmes that strengthen household resilience and promote social equity.

In his goodwill message, the Emir of Dutse lauded Dr. Salamatu Garba’s selfless service, noting that her humanitarian activities have earned her widespread respect and admiration across Jigawa State and beyond. He described her turbaning as a well-deserved honour for a woman whose actions have translated leadership into tangible relief for the people.

“Jigawa is proud of individuals who use their positions and resources to serve humanity. Such efforts reinforce our shared values of compassion and communal responsibility,” the monarch stated.

The event highlighted the growing synergy between public leadership, traditional institutions and humanitarian organisations in advancing inclusive development.

It also reaffirmed Jigawa State’s resolve to restore hope and dignity among the less privileged, using partnership, empathy and action as key drivers of progress.