Baskadia

By ETTAH EMMANUEL O. On November 1, 2024, Hon. Sirente David Jelani was honored as the United Nations Gender Priority Strategy Ambassador at the Focus Africa Leading and Emerging Women Conference and Awards held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The prestigious award was presented by Her Excellency Mrs. Alanyingi Silva, the former 1st Lady of Bayelsa state recognizing Sirente’s selfless service to humanity and her unwavering commitment to gender equality and community welfare.

A BACKGROUND OF DEDICATION Hon. Sirente Jelani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the National Open University of Nigeria, complemented by a National Diploma in Environmental Health. Her academic background equips her with the knowledge and skills necessary to address public health issues and advocate for community well-being. • PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY As a dedicated public servant, Sirente currently serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Ganye Local Govt Council in Adamawa State,

where she represents the Chairman during his absence and leads initiatives such as the monthly sanitation program aimed at fostering environmental cleanliness. Her previous roles include Supervisory Councilor on Youth and Sports and Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of Ganye LGA. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for youth engagement and community health.

• SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Sirente possesses a unique blend of technical and soft skills. Proficient in computer applications, she combines her technical capabilities with excellent communication skills, emphasizing teamwork as a catalyst for organizational growth. Her notable achievements include: - Award of Excellence as the Best Female Medical Worker in Adamawa State (2019) - Recognition as the Most Influential Female Politician in Ganye Chiefdom (2021)

-Certificate of Recognition as Female Philanthropist of the Year (2021) In addition to these accolades, she has made significant contributions to her community through the distribution of food items to vulnerable groups, demonstrating her commitment to social welfare. • VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Beyond her political endeavors, Hon. Sirente is deeply engaged in volunteer work with the World Health Organization and various NGOs, including Society for Family Health

She actively participates in campaigns promoting environmental cleanliness and health awareness, reinforcing her belief in the importance of a clean and healthy community.

REFERENCES AND ABUJA RECOGNITION Hon. Sirente David Jelani has garnered respect from peers and community leaders alike, with references from influential figures such as Hon. Mohammed Inuwa Bassi and Hon. Farouk Mohammed Ganye. Her dedication to public service and advocacy for vulnerable populations positions her as a key player in the ongoing efforts to advance gender equality and community health in Nigeria.

In summary, Hon. Sirente David Jelani exemplifies leadership and compassion. As a UN Gender Priority Strategy Ambassador, she continues to inspire change and empower women, leaving a lasting impact on her community and beyond.