Princess Margaret Itake Elayo, the Nasarawa state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, in this interview with ENE OSHABA, shares her vision to empower women through skills acquisition, economic independence, and protection from gender-based violence.
Could you please tell us a bit about your background?
My name is Princess Margaret Elio, and I am honoured to serve as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services in Nasarawa state. I have a deep passion for the welfare of women and children, and my focus has always been to advocate for a society where women have equal opportunities to thrive.
How would you describe the status of women in Nasarawa today?
The women in Nasarawa state is a work in progress. While we’ve made significant strides, there’s still much to be done. The women in our state are resilient, but they face challenges – some related to access to economic opportunities, education, and health care.
I’ve only been in office for a short period, but my main focus has been to improve the economic status of women. We are working to ensure that women, regardless of their background, have access to skill acquisition programmes that can help them establish sustainable businesses. This is part of my broader goal to create an environment where women can choose their own paths to economic independence. I believe that when a woman is economically empowered, she not only uplifts herself but also positively impacts her family and community.
We are planning on rolling out training programmes in various trades such as tailoring, food processing, and even technology. These are areas that can provide long-term financial stability. Our aim is to encourage women to take charge of their futures, to move beyond the traditional reliance on family income, and build something of their own.
With the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of the governor and other local leaders, I believe we’re on the right track. Women are increasingly standing up for their rights and advocating for their well-being.
You mentioned the importance of skills acquisition. In light of the laws protecting women, such as the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Act and the Child Rights Act, how would you assess the state’s progress in implementing these policies?
These laws are critical, and I am committed to ensuring their full implementation. The data and documentation of these policies are essential for tracking progress and holding institutions accountable. The committees in our state are already working on it, and I am here to push for faster implementation.
As a commissioner, I will ensure that all stakeholders are engaged to properly enforce these laws, especially in terms of protecting women from violence and ensuring children’s rights are respected. The progress is ongoing, but it’s imperative that we don’t just talk about these policies – there must be action to ensure that they make a real difference in the lives of women and children.
As a new commissioner, what is your vision for the women of Nasarawa? If you could be known for one thing before leaving office, what would it be?
My vision is to see women from all walks of life economically empowered and contributing meaningfully to society. I want to create an environment where every woman has the opportunity to work, to learn, and to grow. It’s not just about having a white-collar job – it’s about creating avenues where women can thrive in whatever field they choose.
If I were to leave office today, I would want to have seen a significant increase in the number of women in Nasarawa state with access to stable income and opportunities. I want women to feel that they are not limited by their circumstances, that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Empowering women economically is key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a better future for generations to come.
There’s been a concerning rise in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across the country. How do you assess the current state of gender-based violence in the state, and what are you doing to reduce it?
Unfortunately, gender-based violence is a major issue, not just in Nasarawa state, but across the entire country. As a commissioner, I stand firmly with the voiceless – those women who have been denied the opportunity to speak out or seek justice.
We need to create a society where women can speak up without fear of being blamed or dismissed. Many women have carried the trauma of violence for years without the support they need to heal. It’s time for change. I am committed to amplifying the voices of these women and ensuring that their cases are heard and addressed appropriately.
On the ground, we are strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement and civil society organisations to create a support system for survivors of violence. We are also engaging communities to educate them on the importance of respecting women’s rights and tackling harmful societal norms that contribute to gender-based violence.
Are there any specific policies you’ll push for or would like to see implemented to further improve the lives of women in Nasarawa?
Absolutely! As I mentioned earlier, my primary focus is on policies that provide women with economic opportunities and protection from violence. We need more initiatives that support women in agriculture, education, and small businesses. I also believe in improving access to healthcare for women, particularly in rural areas, where the challenges are more pronounced.
One policy I am strongly advocating for is increasing funding for women’s empowerment programmes – whether it’s through skill acquisition, access to financial resources, or mentorship. Women in Nasarawa state deserve every opportunity to succeed, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that these policies are not just on paper but are implemented effectively.
Before we conclude, would you like to pass a message to Nigerian women, especially the women of Nasarawa?
To Nigerian women, and particularly to the women of Nasarawa state, I say this: We are becoming. Becoming means we are growing, learning, and pushing forward. No challenge is too big for us. We have the power to change our narratives, to create opportunities for ourselves, and to stand up for what we believe in.
Nothing should stop us from becoming the best versions of ourselves. Together, we can achieve greatness and build a future where every woman is empowered and valued through focusing on skills acquisition, economic independence, and the protection of women’s rights, we can create a future where women are not only survivors, but leaders in the communities.