By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Government has earmarked N100 million for widows' empowerment programmes across the state. Gov...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State Government has earmarked N100 million for widows' empowerment programmes across the state.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced this while inaugurating the "Bago Widows Skills Training and Empowerment Programme" at the Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna.
The programme, themed "Crafting Independence," aims to equip 500 widows with skills to become self-reliant.
Governor Bago emphasized that the initiative is timely, given the current harsh economic realities faced by the population. He added that the state government plans to extend the programme to all 25 local government areas under the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
He also pledged to provide each of the 500 participants with N100,000 through the NG-CARES initiative, in addition to starter packs that would help them launch small businesses. The aim is to encourage the widows to engage in meaningful ventures to support themselves, rather than relying on begging.
Governor Bago reiterated the state government’s commitment to promoting programmes that benefit widows, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Girl-child Affairs, Hajiya Hannatu Salihu Jibril, acknowledged the unique challenges faced by widows and reaffirmed the government's dedication to empowering them. She commended Governor Bago for his leadership in uplifting the lives of vulnerable groups and urged the beneficiaries to stay resilient despite life’s difficulties.
The Coordinator of Widows Affairs in Niger State, Hassana Abubakar, expressed gratitude for the governor's compassion, stating that his support for widows in the state is unprecedented.
The 500 widows will receive training in soap making, hypo production, and spaghetti manufacturing.
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