Maryam Ciroma
Maryam Inna Ciroma | |
|---|---|
| Managing Director National Inland Waterways Authority, Lokoja, Nigeria | |
| Federal Minister of Women Affairs | |
| In office July 2005 – May 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Rita Akpan |
| Succeeded by | Saudatu Bungudu |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 September 1954 Borno State, Nigeria |
Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma (born 11 September 1954) was appointed Nigerian minister of Women Affairs in July 2005 by President Olusegun Obasanjo.[1] She was replaced by Saudatu Bungudu when President Umaru Yar'Adua swore in his cabinet in July 2007.[2]
Background
[edit]Ciroma was born on 11 September 1954 in Borno State. She attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1978 with a degree in political science, and later obtained a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration. She worked as cadet editor, NTA Kaduna, before joining the federal civil service where she worked from 1980 to 1985. She then became Chairman/Chief Executive of Intis Investment Company.[3]
She is the widow of Mallam Adamu Ciroma, a late Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Minister of Finance who was chairman of the Obasanjo 2003 re-election campaign organization.[4][5]
Political career
[edit]In 2003 Ciroma made a bid to become the People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Borno South Senatorial District. She was appointed Minister of State for Women Affairs in July 2005, replacing Rita Akpan.[6] She retained this position in the major reshuffle of January 2007.[7] In August 2005 she started a nationwide advocacy tour of the 36 states of the Nigerian Federation on matters relating to child's rights and discrimination against women.[8] Before the 2007 elections, she called for a percentage of electoral positions to be reserved for women, decrying the marginalization of women in Nigerian politics.[9]
During her time in office, the Federal Government approved the National Gender Policy in pursuance of gender equality and children welfare in the country.[10] In January 2007 her ministry issued "National Guidelines and Standards of Practice for Orphans and Vulnerable Children".[11] Speaking in May 2007 of the action plan spelled out in this report, Ciroma said "Without taking determined steps to address the specific needs of children, there will be no chance of meeting the Millennium Development Goals".[12]
After leaving office, Ciroma became National Woman Leader of the PDP.[13] Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma also served as managing director: National Inland Waterways Authority, Lokoja, Kogi State Nigeria. She turned around Water Transportation in Nigeria and embarked on massive enlightenment programs about safety on Nigerian Waterways. In December 2014 she was recognized by the ECOWAS Students body of West African Students Union Parliament-WASUP with the WASUP Kwame Nkrumah Honor (www.wasuonline.org). The Nigerian Coordinator for WASUP Comr. Daniel Emeka Nwachukwu, described her as "a great women, leader and mentor and example of selfless service for both women and children rights, with positive effects on the youths" for her contributions to Nation Building.
She is a member of the national working group for the supporting the advance of gender equality (SAGE) initiative in Nigeria and attended a meeting hosted by president Muhammadu Buhari on March 23, 2021, to mark the international women's day in Nigeria.[14][15]
References
[edit]- ^ "Cabinet Shake-up: The Final Baton". ThisDay. July 17, 2005. Archived from the original on July 18, 2005. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ "The Federal Republic of Nigeria". Worldwide Guide to Women in Leadership. Archived from the original on 2009-04-21. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
- ^ Emmanuel Aziken (July 8, 2005). "Ezekwesili, Mimiko, 10 others on new cabinet list * Senate begins screening today". Online Nigeria. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ EMMA AZIKEN (July 11, 2005). "Ministerial appointments: All the intrigues". Online Nigeria. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ Agbo, Catherine (2021-10-10). "REVEALED: Top women in politics who are now missing". 21st CENTURY CHRONICLE. Retrieved 2023-02-19.
- ^ Yomi Odunuga, Sam Akpe and Isine Ibanga (July 14, 2005). "FG removes 10 ministers • Ezekwesili, others get portfolios". Online Nigeria Daily News. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ KABIRU YUSUF. "Obasanjo reshuffles cabinet...Swears-in 6 new ministers". Daily Triumph. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
- ^ "Ciroma: My Fight for Women/Child's Rights". This Day. 2005-08-10. Retrieved 2010-04-04.
- ^ "Minister of Women Affairs Demands Affirmative Action in Nigeria" (PDF). Alliances for Africa. Retrieved 2010-04-18.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Abimbola Akosile (April 3, 2007). "Nigeria: Between Trade Agreements and Poverty Impact". This Day (Lagos). Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ "National Guidelines and Standards of Practice for Orphans and Vulnerable Children" (PDF). Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. January 2007. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ "Nigeria launches a national action plan for orphans and vulnerable children". UNICEF. 17 May 2007. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ Muideen Olaniyi (18 November 2009). "Borno PDP - Daggash, Mustapha, Others Unite Against Ciroma". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2010-04-18.
- ^ wmickail (2021-03-23). "President Muhammadu Buhari welcomes the SAGE National and International Working Groups, and commits to do more for Nigerian Women in Politics". www.ndi.org. Retrieved 2021-05-08.
- ^ "Public offices held by Maryam Ciroma in Nigeria". citizensciencenigeria.org. Retrieved 2023-02-19.