By Percy Dabang, Yola
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has commended Oxfam and its partners for the successful implementation of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (WoRGE) Project in Adamawa State, saying the initiative is a powerful driver of women’s empowerment and community transformation.
Speaking through the commissioner of transportation, Wunfe Anthony, at the project’s valedictory ceremony held in Yola, praised the organization for its commitment to promoting gender equality and uplifting vulnerable populations, especially women in conflict-affected areas of the state.
“The WoRGE Project has significantly improved the lives of women in our state by empowering them to overcome barriers and take on leadership roles within their communities,” Governor Fintiri said.
“I commend Oxfam and its partners for their dedication to creating inclusive, resilient communities through gender-responsive initiatives.”
The 18-month project, which began in December 2023, was implemented in Michika and Guyuk Local Government Areas with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ, the German Cooperation, and co-funding from the European Union.
Fintiri highlighted the importance of such interventions in rebuilding communities and promoting peace, especially in regions recovering from conflict and displacement.
He noted that empowering women is central to his administration’s development agenda, and he called on other development partners to emulate Oxfam’s model of inclusive programming.
According to the governor, “When women are empowered, entire communities benefit. The WoRGE Project has not only given women a voice but also positioned them as agents of change.”
During the event, women leaders from Michika and Guyuk, Mrs. Regina Elson and Mrs. Rose Russia, respectively, expressed their appreciation, stating that the project helped dismantle long-standing cultural and religious barriers that limited women’s participation in leadership and public life.
Traditional rulers also echoed the governor’s sentiments. His Royal Majesty Kwandi Nunguraya, Dr. Dishon Dansanda II, and Mbege Ka Michika, HRM Prof. Bulus Luka Gadiga, all praised the initiative for fostering harmony, resilience, and gender inclusion in their communities.
Oxfam Country Director, Daniel McCornmick, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advancing women’s rights through conflict-sensitive, participatory approaches.
He revealed that the project resulted in the creation of 13 safe spaces for women and a 55% increase in women’s representation in traditional leadership structures in the two LGAs.
“The success of the WoRGE Project is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together—government, communities, and development partners—to build a more equitable and peaceful society,” McCornmick stated.
