The Governor of Niger State Mohammed Bago said 41 women cooperative groups have been empowered with N492m from World Bank. This is as Bago commissioned a rice processing centre under the Nigeria for Women Project (NfWP) as the state’s commitment to economic development.
The initiative on agriculture seeks to boost food and economic development in the state as agriculture accounts for nearly 40 per cent of Niger’s GDP and employs over 80 per cent of the state population.
The funds earmarked as operational support to strengthen rice production and processing in the state, would also empower women and boost job creation, Bago said while presenting the cheque to beneficiaries.
The newly commissioned centre located in Nassarawa Izom 2 in Gwachipe, Gurara Local Government Area, is a collaborative effort between the World Bank and the state to support women in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Bago commended the women for their active participation and commitment to the project while reiterating his administration’s dedication to improving the lives of women across the state
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Ibrahim, commended the governor’s commitment to women’s empowerment through the establishment of the groups. She said, “This initiative exemplifies forward-thinking leadership and sets a precedent for inclusive economic planning,”
She, therefore, lauded the counterpart funding, while urging women to harness the project’s potential.
The World Bank representative Michael Ilesanmi assured that the NfWP would empower women economically, enabling them to improve their household livelihoods.