The women’s wing of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), an Islamic aid group, has honored President Margee Ensign of the American University of Nigeria in recognition of her selfless service to society.
National Director of JNI, Hajia Hadiza Mohammed, presented a certificate of merit and a plaque award to Professor Ensign for her community development and humanitarian activities in Adamawa state. The occasion ended a two-day seminar on “Strengthening the Capacity of Muslim Women Participation for Peace and Development towards Nation Building.” It was organized by JNI at Capital Primary School, Jimeta, Yola.
President Ensign, an American, was described by the organizers as a native of Bole, AUN’s host community which made her an honorary citizen in 2012. The President was recognized for the establishment of Adamawa Peace Initiative (API) which has become a leading, non-profit organization determined to maintain peace and community development in Northeast Nigeria. She was also cited for her astute management of AUN as an institution committed to partnering with the community to ensure sustainable development and security.
The Deputy Amira (leader) of JNI’s women’s wing in Adamawa state, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi, said it was significant for the people in the state and the international community to understand that JNI holds Dr. Ensign in high esteem and appreciates her total commitment to the education and empowerment of women in the region.
On receiving the award, President Ensign reflected on the theme of the seminar: “As you look around the world, peaceful societies are those that have empowered and educated women and encouraged them to be leaders. At this moment in our history, when we are surrounded by violence, it is more important than ever to recognize the key role that women play in society. Women are the foundation of a society.”
Dr. Ensign appealed to Islamic leaders to make sure the world understands that Islam represents cooperation, compassion, and generosity at this critical time.
The State Secretary of the Islamic aid group and Chairman of the occasion, Malam Gambo Jika, a member of Adamawa Peace Initiative, remarked that the presence of Dr. Ensign in AUN has drawn the University to be actively involved in maintaining peace and development in the community.
Dr. Muhammed Ajuji, who represented the JNI State Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Babbawa, noted, “Dr. Margee Ensign has shown us what an institution can do to provide for society.”
The two-day seminar comprised a paper presentation on “Challenges Facing the Nation on Good Governance for Peace and Development” by Malam Tahir Abubakar, a lecturer at Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola.
Other award recipients were Hajiya Aishatu Dahiru, a member of the House of the Representatives; Hajiya Aisha Barkindo, wife of the Lamido Adamawa; Hajiya Halima M. Hayatu, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Adamawa State, and Dr. Halilu Hamma. All were cited for dedication to humanity and development in Adamawa State and beyond.