Dutse, April 16 — The Jigawa State Government has approved a new directive allowing female security operatives employed by private firms in the state to wear hijabs while on duty, in a move aimed at promoting religious inclusion and cultural sensitivity in the workplace.
The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Sagir Musa, following a State Executive Council meeting held Tuesday evening at the Government House in Dutse.
Speaking to journalists at the press gallery, Musa said the directive affects three private security companies operating in the state and forms part of broader efforts to ensure a more inclusive and accommodating environment for women.
“By allowing female security operatives to wear hijabs, the government is empowering them to practice their religious and cultural beliefs without restriction,” the commissioner stated. “This move is expected to boost morale and promote dignity in the workplace.”
The resolution follows recommendations by the Council Committee on Schools, Hospital, and Court Security, which highlighted the importance of accommodating religious attire for the 9,969 young people recruited across security-related functions in the state.
Musa emphasized that the state administration remains committed to workplace policies that uphold modesty, inclusion, and dignity, particularly for female workers in uniformed roles.
Education and Youth Empowerment Initiatives
In a separate development, the council also approved N516.1 million for the purchase of international travel tickets for Jigawa State students studying medical and applied sciences at Near East University in Cyprus. The funds will cover 184 return tickets and one-way tickets for 185 students, reinforcing the government’s commitment to human capital development in critical sectors.
“This intervention demonstrates our administration’s dedication to supporting the academic welfare of Jigawa’s students abroad, especially in key fields such as healthcare and medicine,” Musa said.
As part of its wider youth development agenda, the state also announced the launch of the Jigawa State Creativity and Innovation Week (JISCIW), scheduled to begin in 2025.
The initiative is designed to promote talent development, entrepreneurship, and innovation among the youth, offering a dedicated platform to showcase skills in technology, design, arts, and enterprise.
“The JISCIW will help identify and support young talents while fostering a culture of creativity across Jigawa,” said Musa. “By investing in innovation, the government is preparing the state for a more dynamic and prosperous future.”
The combination of policies—from cultural inclusion in the workplace to investment in education and youth innovation—signals a comprehensive strategy by the Jigawa State Government to build a more inclusive, skilled, and forward-thinking society.