By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The German government has trained over 100 judicial officials of the Niger State government in Mediation and 40 others on Gender Mainstreaming, designating them as Gender Focal Officers in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
It also developed the State Gender Policy & Implementation Plan which has been presented to the State Executive Council for approval of 35% of appointive position in the civil service to women.
Head of Policy & Strategy Component of GIZ-SEDIN Programme, Mr Akinropo Omoware disclosed this at a 3-day Policy workshop for Public and Private Sector Officials held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Themed, “Re-assessing the State’s Economic, MSMEs development and employment promotion strategies for greater impact”, the workshop was organised by Niger State government in partnership with the Pro-poor Growth and Promotion of Employment in Nigeria Programme (SEDIN).
According to him, the GIZ-SEDIN also supported in strengthening Commercial Dispute Resolution mechanism in selected 10 markets in Niger State using the ADR/Mediation approach and the ongoing facilitation of the establishment of Multidoor Courthouse in Suleja.
The programme he said, also supported the strengthening and capacity building of the Niger SME, adding that the agency has been repositioned for better service delivery and supported the attendance of a peer learning workshop of the SME Agency toLSETF and other MSME Development Agencies in Partner States & SMEDAN.
In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the Government of Niger State, Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Matame said the workshop became necessary because the economy cannot be run by the public alone without an input from the private sector.
Participants at the workshop included, the State Head of Service, Hajiya Salamatu Abubakar, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of Ministerial departments.