By Ibrahim Sani Shawai
Gombe State witnessed a major women’s mobilisation as more than 6,000 women from across the state gathered for the maiden Gombe Women’s Unity and Progress Summit convened by Dr. Zainab Jamil Gwamna, wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna.
The summit, held at the APC Square in Gombe under the theme “Stronger Voices. United Women, Greater Impact,” brought together women stakeholders, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, political candidates’ wives, changemakers and other participants from the state’s 11 Local Government Areas and 13 Local Council Development Areas.
Over 6,000 Women Gather in Gombe
The gathering provided a platform for women from different backgrounds to discuss issues affecting their welfare and explore ways to strengthen networks, mentorship, economic empowerment and participation in community development.
Participants also discussed the role women can play in family development, governance and the socio-economic transformation of Gombe State.
The scale of the gathering was described by organisers and participating stakeholders as a significant milestone in women’s mobilisation in the state.
The development adds to growing political activity in Gombe ahead of the 2027 elections. The Bureau Journal has previously reported on the intensifying political contest in Gombe and arguments over how the 2027 election will be won.
Zainab Gwamna: Women Must Support One Another
Speaking at the summit, Dr. Zainab Gwamna said the initiative was designed to build a united and purposeful women’s movement capable of creating opportunities and contributing to the development of the state.
She urged women to support one another, mentor younger girls and use their collective strength to strengthen families and communities.
“This summit is about bringing Gombe women together to discover our collective strength and understand that the success of one woman should open doors for another,” she said.
Gwamna also encouraged participants to support women in business and professional careers while contributing meaningfully to their communities.
She commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for what she described as his programmes for women and youths and thanked her husband, Dr. Jamil Gwamna, for giving her the opportunity to contribute to the development of women and the state.
Call for Mentorship and Economic Empowerment
Gwamna urged participants to take lessons from the summit back to their respective communities.
She specifically called for greater mentorship of young girls, stronger efforts to build confidence and self-esteem, increased skills acquisition and support for women seeking to become economically productive and self-reliant.
The emphasis on mentorship and economic empowerment echoes wider conversations around youth development in Gombe. The Bureau Journal previously reported on Jamil Gwamna’s youth development and mentorship initiatives.
Governor’s Wife Commends Summit
The wife of the Gombe State Governor, Dr. Asma’u Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, commended the initiative and the turnout of women from across the state.
She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to programmes aimed at improving the welfare, empowerment and economic wellbeing of women and youths.
“Women are indispensable partners in the development of our families, communities and the state,” she said.
She also commended Zainab Gwamna for creating a platform where women could learn, connect and support one another.
According to her, the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya would continue to support initiatives that strengthen the capacity of women and youths to contribute to society.
Stakeholders Praise Women’s Mobilisation
Other stakeholders at the event described the summit as an important development in women’s mobilisation and empowerment in Gombe.
They said the turnout demonstrated the potential influence of women when they come together around a common purpose, while stressing the importance of collaboration, mentorship, economic empowerment and greater participation in governance and community development.
The summit also comes amid a series of political movements around the APC governorship campaign in Gombe. The Bureau Journal recently reported on the defection of a former Gombe PDP youth leader to the APC camp backing Gwamna.
Other developments have included the defection of the Gombe ADC state secretary to the APC and support for Gwamna, as well as the reported endorsement of Jamil Gwamna by the Hashidu family.
Summit Takes 2027 Political Dimension
Beyond the discussions on empowerment and community development, the gathering also took on a political dimension as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Stakeholders at the summit said the event could strengthen networks among women across the state and contribute to greater political participation.
Some participants also expressed optimism that the mobilisation could benefit APC candidates in the 2027 elections. That expectation, however, remains a political assessment rather than an established electoral outcome.
The Bureau Journal has also reported on other groups that have publicly expressed support for Jamil Gwamna ahead of the 2027 contest.
Women Urged to Turn Summit Into Action
The summit ended with renewed calls for women across Gombe State to maintain the spirit of unity and mutual support demonstrated at the gathering.
Participants were encouraged to translate the knowledge, relationships and networks developed at the event into practical initiatives within their communities.
Organisers said the ultimate goal was for the summit to have an impact beyond the event itself by strengthening women’s networks, encouraging self-reliance and inspiring younger women and girls to take active roles in shaping their families and communities.
With more than 6,000 women reportedly attending, the maiden Gombe Women’s Unity and Progress Summit has emerged as one of the latest major mobilisation events ahead of the state’s 2027 political contest.
The Bureau Journal will continue to follow developments around women’s participation, empowerment and political mobilisation in Gombe State.
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