Emir of Zazzau commends WOFAN- ICON2 project for community service interventions
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli, has commended the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) for its community-led entrepreneurial activities, youth engagement, and contributions to empowering women and people living with disabilities.
Ambassador Bamalli made the commendation on Friday during a courtesy visit by the WOFAN-ICON2 Project, led by its Country Director and United Nations POLAC Peace Ambassador, Dr. Salamatu Garba.
SolaceBase reports that the visit followed the commissioning of a fully constructed women’s side Jumaat mosque, complete with toilets, solar-powered boreholes, and the renovation of a school where both men and women access knowledge.
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The Emir praised WOFAN’s efforts, describing the projects as a source of peace, food security, and poverty reduction.
“I am very happy with the activities of WOFAN. My people keep updating me on the positive impact you are making. I want to thank you for your commitment personally,” he said.
“We must also thank God for people like you. There are many wealthier individuals who have benefited from society, yet they do not give back. Your investment in humanity is remarkable. Building this female worship center came at a time we needed it most, and I know it will not only serve as a mosque but also as a place for knowledge sharing, unity, and community growth.”
The Emir further stated that WOFAN’s interventions would help in creating job opportunities, thereby giving hope, dignity and self-reliance for young people. He urged district heads in his emirate to ensure the facilities are well-maintained.
On her part, Dr. Garba thanked the Emir for his support and recalled the history of WOFAN having originated from Zaria and therefore appealed to the Emir to keep his doors open to WOFAN whenever guidance and policy support are needed.
During the commissioning, Dr. Garba was turbaned with the chieftaincy title of Kilishin Dogon Bauchi by Sarkin Dogon Bauchi, Alhaji Shuaibu Haruna, a highly respected traditional title in Zazzau. She expressed gratitude for the honour.
Speaking further at the handover of the facilities, Dr. Garba explained that the solar-powered boreholes, each equipped with 21 water points, will provide safe water for households and schools.
“This intervention will reduce the hardship families once faced, particularly children who often missed school due to water scarcity. It will not only improve sanitation and hygiene but also help reduce the number of out-of-school children, while benefiting millions of people in the communities,” she said.
Other dignitaries at the event include Alhaji Rabiu Sule Garo, board member of the WOFAN community development initiative, who commended the Emir and Sarkin Dogon Bauchi for honoring Dr. Garba and pledged that both WOFAN and community members will continue to put in place sustainability strategies, thereby asking both committee representatives of WOFAN and Dogon Bauchi to put heads together towards completing the propised shops at Iya Bashir Central Jumaat Mosque in Sabon Gari, which will generate income for the mosque’s maintenance.
Professor Sani Miko, Chair of WOFAN’s Technical Advisory Board, represented by Professor MK Othman, stressed that agriculture cannot thrive without peace and urged communities to use the facilities to promote harmony.
The WOFAN-ICON2 Project, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, focuses on supporting communities with vital interventions such as potable water, sanitation, renovated schools, markets, and community centers to promote development and well-being.
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