By Maduabuchi Nmerbeh/Katsina
Katsina state Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has committed N4 billion for the economic empowerment of 800,000 women across the state.
The fund was released by Governor Radda to support women-focussed economic programmes in Katsina state, through the 2025 budgetary allocations.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, hailed Governor Radda’s gesture, describing it as the best therapy to better the lives of women in the state.
Governor Radda made this known during his participation at the North West Scale-Up Summit of the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP).
The summit brought together stakeholders from across the region, including Commissioners for Women Affairs from Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Gombe, and Jigawa states.
Senior federal officials, traditional leaders, representatives of development partners, and women leaders from grassroots organizations, were also present at the summit.
Governor Radda emphasized that the Nigeria for Women Project is more than just a policy, “it is a transformative grassroots movement built on dignity, inclusion, and resilience.”
The Governor revealed that over 800,000 women in Katsina are expected to benefit from the expanded implementation of the project, which currently operates in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua Local Government Areas of Katsina state.
“This will be achieved through the formation of Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), access to microcredit, entrepreneurship training, and community-based cooperatives,” Governor Radda said.
Governor Radda added that Katsina State will match the existing World Bank funding to scale the project across all 34 Local Government Areas in the state.
He noted that, “this commitment is backed by the allocation of ₦4 billion in the 2025 budget to support women-focused economic programmes, along with the creation of gender desks in every local government.
“Our women are not waiting to be helped. They are already leading the change. We are simply giving them the platform.”
In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, described the Nigeria for Women Project as the most coordinated and impactful gender equity initiative ever implemented in Nigeria.
The Minister praised Governor Radda’s administration for its vision and budgetary commitments, noting that Katsina has become a reference point for inclusive governance.
“From the ₦1 billion budgeted to tackle gender-based violence to the 34 functional Women Affairs offices across the state, Katsina has demonstrated what real commitment looks like,” the Minister said.
In a goodwill message on behalf of the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Michael highlighted the broader economic potential of women’s inclusion.
He stated that, “Nigeria stands to gain between $9 billion and $27 billion in GDP growth by removing barriers to women’s full participation in the economy.”
He also confirmed that the Nigeria for Women Project is the largest platform of its kind on the African continent.
Also speaking, Katsina State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar Yar’adua, used the occasion to advocate for more inclusive financing mechanisms and tailored support for women in vulnerable communities.
“Our women do not lack discipline—they lack access and opportunity,” she stressed.
She called on policymakers and financial institutions to prioritize the needs of widows, women with disabilities, and rural entrepreneurs.
The summit concluded with renewed pledges from participating states and development partners to collaborate, share best practices, and commit to concrete actions that will expand opportunities for women.
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