By SANI ALIYU, Zaria
Comrade Muhammad Yusufu, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) ABU Zaria branch, has called on women to take an active role in unionism and pursue leadership positions.
He delivered this message during a one-day SSANU ABU Women’s Conference held at the NAERLS Conference hall on Thursday.
Comrade Muhammad Yusufu emphasized that women’s voices will only gain prominence when they actively participate in union activities and compete for leadership positions.
He highlighted the evolving global landscape where women are increasingly holding pivotal roles, both within union structures and public offices, citing examples such as Hajiya Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, among others.
In her welcoming address, Comrade Hauwa Yahaya, the ABU Branch Women Coordinator, praised the efforts of the SSANU executive committee in ensuring the success of the conference.
She underscored the conference’s purpose: to unite senior staff women and remind them of the significance of engaging in unionism and seeking leadership roles within their respective workplaces.
Comrade Hauwa Yahaya highlighted the conference theme, “Women’s Health And Gender Diversity,” as particularly pertinent to women in service.
She urged women to discard negative notions that deter them from actively participating in union activities and pursuing leadership roles in their chosen careers.
The Women’s Coordinator also advised members to start contributing towards common goals to enable mutual assistance among themselves.
The conference featured three presentations. Hajiya Aisha Babale delivered a paper titled “Obedience to Work Ethics: A Prerequisite for Productivity and Self Fulfillment.”
Barrister Hadiza Kabiru presented her paper on the “Legal Framework for Women In Trade Unions in Nigeria.”
Dr. Olajumoke Adebayo represented the third paper, covering “Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment.”
Concluding the event, Comrade Martha Banki, Chairperson of the Women’s Committee of the NLC Kaduna State, urged attendees to embrace the call for contributions, echoing the Coordinator’s request.
Comrade Banki lauded the ABU SSANU Women for orchestrating the conference.
