Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Radda, has announced that the state government is dedicating ₦4 billion in the 2025 budget to support women-focused economic programs. This funding aims to boost financial independence for women across all 34 local government areas in the state.
Governor Radda made the announcement at the North West Scale-Up Summit of the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), held at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Katsina. The event brought together key stakeholders, including deputy governors from Jigawa and Zamfara, women affairs commissioners from Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Osun, Gombe, and Jigawa.
How the ₦4 Billion Will Be Used in Katsina
Governor Radda explained that the state is scaling up the Nigeria for Women Project by:
- Forming more Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) – These are community-based groups that help women save, access small loans, and support each other’s businesses.
- Providing microcredit – Small loans will be made available to help women grow their businesses.
- Offering entrepreneurship training – Women will receive skills to start and manage successful enterprises.
- Expanding to all LGAs – The program, which currently operates in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua, will be extended across all 34 local government areas.
More than 800,000 women in Katsina are expected to benefit from this scale-up. The state will also match World Bank funding to ensure broader and sustainable implementation.
To further support gender inclusion, the Katsina government has also established gender desks in every local government, making it easier for women to access support and government services.
“Our women are not waiting to be helped—they are already leading change. We are simply giving them the platform,” said Governor Radda.
National and International Praise for Katsina’s Efforts
Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, praised the Nigeria for Women Project as one of the most effective gender equity initiatives ever seen in Nigeria. She highlighted Katsina as a shining example of what’s possible with strong political will.
She noted that, in addition to the ₦4 billion for women’s empowerment, Katsina also allocated ₦1 billion to address gender-based violence and now has functioning Women Affairs offices in all 34 LGAs. According to her, this shows Katsina’s deep commitment to inclusive governance.
In a message on behalf of the World Bank, Mr. Michael Gboyega said that Nigeria could gain up to $27 billion in GDP by removing the barriers that stop women from participating equally in the economy.
Katsina Urged to Focus on Vulnerable Women
The Katsina Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Hadiza Yar’adua, emphasized the need for inclusive financing. She called on financial institutions and policymakers to provide special support for widows, women with disabilities, and rural entrepreneurs, who often face greater challenges when trying to access capital or government programs.
Conclusion: Katsina Takes the Lead in Supporting Women
The governor is setting the pace in Nigeria when it comes to empowering women economically. With a dedicated ₦4 billion budget, support from the World Bank, and solid political leadership, the state is making real progress in giving women the tools they need to succeed.
References
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