By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Federal Government has inaugurated rice processing factories in Niger State under the Nigeria for Wo...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Federal Government has inaugurated rice processing factories in Niger State under the Nigeria for Women Project, a World Bank-assisted initiative.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, officially commissioned the factories at Izom, Gurara Local Government Area.
The rice mills are strategically located across the state’s three senatorial districts: 13 in Gurara, 16 in Agaie, and 12 in Wushishi Local Government Area.
The minister praised the Niger State government for supporting programs aimed at empowering women. She noted that the project has achieved significant success in the state, thanks to the commitment of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. She added that this aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration's objective of fostering hope and economic development.
Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim further revealed that President Tinubu plans to expand the program across all 36 states of the federation to ensure broader impact.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the project as unprecedented, emphasizing the crucial role women play as financial managers and drivers of societal growth. He commended the Federal Government and the World Bank for initiating programs that have positively impacted women in Niger State.
The governor pledged his administration's continued support for the project, adding that the state government would purchase rice from the women to feed students in boarding schools.
Additionally, the governor disclosed plans to build a crèche near the mills to provide childcare for the women and to construct a Level 1 Primary Healthcare Centre to address their health needs. He also directed the construction of a 5-kilometer road linking Izom to the factory.
Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to enhancing women's livelihoods and urged the women of Gurara to actively participate in government initiatives.
Task Team Leader for the Nigeria for Women Project, Michael Ilesanmi, commended Governor Bago for his dedication to gender equity and women’s socio-economic empowerment. He noted that each rice processing mill has a production capacity of two tons of rice per day. These mills are among 302 other projects supported by the Nigeria for Women Project nationwide.
Mr. Ilesanmi further stated that the project has directly improved the livelihoods of 460,000 women across the country.
Gurara Local Government Council Chairman, Abdulhalim Abubakar, highlighted the economic benefits of the project, which include boosting rice production, creating employment opportunities, and increasing income generation.
A symbolic cheque of N492 million was presented to 41 women groups in Niger State to cover operational costs.
As part of the event, Governor Bago and Minister Sulaiman Ibrahim planted trees in line with the state government’s green initiative.
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