UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed visits Zamfara, Benue

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed has extended her engagements with local authorities in Nigeria to Zamfara (North-West) and Benue (North-Central) States. She was received in Gusau on 9 April by the Zamfara State Governor, H.E. Dr. Dauda Lawal and his cabinet members; and in Makurdi on 10 April, by the Benue State Governor, H.E. Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia.

The DSG, accompanied by some members of the UN Country Team in Nigeria, advocated support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill & noted the values of gender balance in political leadership alongside recognition of the role of women in national development.

In Zamfara, she reaffirmed UN’s support to #Zamfara & the North-West zone, in addressing development issues: Education, health, agriculture, gender, climate, & solid mineral mining, among others. She visited a solid mineral mining site in Kadiri community in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. She also met with wives of Northern Governors.

In Benue, she visited displaced communities and Mega #IDPs camp and expressed solidarity with communities facing humanitarian and climate challenges. 

In Yelewata, a community scarred by recent attacks, DSG listened to women share their struggles. She emphasised resilience, dignity and peacebuilding. 

At the Makurdi Mega IDP camp, IDPs voiced gratitude to UNICEF Nigeria and IOM Nigeria, but stressed their wish to safely return to their ancestral farmland. They called for stronger support for livelihoods, education and health. 

Inside a makeshift classroom, in the camp, DSG engaged with the pupils, and in response to their needs, UNICEF pledged desks and chairs to improve learning.

At the Government House, the Governor highlighted the State's programmes and initiatives. DSG reaffirmed UN’s readiness to support #Benue’s development aspirations.