Bunkpurugu (N/R), June 11, GNA - Hajia Mavis Maiga Bawah, the only female District Chief Executive (DCE) in the Northern Region, was on Wednesday sworn into office as the political head of Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District.

The Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Stephen Sumani Nayina, swore in Hajia Bawah, a 43-year-old teacher, after her nomination had been endorsed by all the 39 assembly members present. A member of the 40-member house was absent.

Mr. Duut Thompson, a health worker who competed with two others for the position of Presiding Member, was elected after three rounds of voting. He polled 38 out of the 39 votes cast. Hajia Bawah said her focus would be on improvement of infrastructure with emphasis on the health, education and agriculture. She said she would strive to improve upon the poor road network in the area by liaising with the central government and other agencies to get assistance.

Hajia Bawah said poverty among the people in the district was high and pledged to collaborate with NGOs and other poverty alleviating agencies to provide jobs for the people.

She said she would run an open administration and listen to advice from traditional rulers and opinion leaders so that together "we can push the development agenda of the district forward". Mr. Nayina called on the DCE to see her position as a call to duty and an opportunity to serve the people.

She cautioned the DCE that she was going to administer the affairs of a district made up of diverse ethnic groups and people of different political leanings and as such she should be circumspect in her dealings with them to enhance peace and unity.

He appealed to her to ensure fair and equitable distribution of resources in the district to avoid the tendency of some sections feeling neglected or cheated out of development projects.