GIZ Empowers Adamawa Female Appointed Political Actors On Leadership Skills In Politicing

‎By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a development agency funded by the European Union, has organized a four-day capacity-building workshop for female elected officials and political appointees in Adamawa State.

‎Held in Yola, the state capital, the training brought together all 21 local government area (LGA) vice chairpersons,female Appointees  and all female elected officers. The program, conducted under the framework of the Sustainable Social Protection and Economic Resilience in Northeast Nigeria (SEPIN SUSI) project, was designed to enhance the leadership and governance skills of women in politics.

Speaking during one of the sessions, Dr. Hussaini Muhammed Lawal delivered a presentation on Policy Making and Budgeting in Conflict and Stabilized Contexts. He urged the participants to remain calm and focused in the face of political challenges, emphasizing that conflict is inevitable but can be managed through emotional intelligence and steady leadership.

‎Another facilitator, Hassan Aliyu Karofi, a GIZ consultant, highlighted the importance of women’s participation in the electoral process and decision-making.

He spoke on Gender-Responsive Advocacy, lobbying, and project development at the local government level, encouraging participants to actively seek leadership positions and drive community development initiatives.

‎In her presentation, Asma’u Joda, a gender expert, discussed barriers faced by female political actors, particularly the lack of technical skills for evidence-based advocacy. She urged the participants to adopt gender-informed strategies when implementing policies and programs.

Some of the trained political Appointees  expressed appreciation to GIZ for the empowerment opportunity, noting that the workshop broadened their understanding of leadership, advocacy, and the role of women in democratic governance. They also called for stronger collaboration with the media to enhance public trust and visibility for women leaders.

The participants described the training as timely and impactful, saying it has strengthened their confidence to contest elective positions and contribute meaningfully to governance in their respective LGAs.