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Gov. Announces Statewide Expansion of Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up, Unveils Plans for Nigeria for Men Initiative
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has disclosed that over 57,094 women participating in the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) have s so far collectively saved approximately ₦349 million across the three Local Government Areas of Katsina, Daura and Funtua.
The Governor disclosed this during an inspection of Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) in Sabon Garin Kalgo-Gari, Daura Local Government Area, where he interacted with beneficiaries and assessed the progress of the World Bank-supported initiative.
Governor Radda said the visit was aimed at witnessing firsthand the impact of the programme on beneficiaries and evaluating the progress recorded since its inception in the three pilot Local Government Areas.
The inspection was conducted alongside the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) World Bank Task Team Leader, Mr. Michael Elesanmi, and the Federal Project Coordination Unit (FPCU) Technical Assistant, Mr. Uche, who are in Katsina State on an official mission to visit selected Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), assess the implementation of the programme at the community level, and interact with the State Project Coordination Unit (SPCU) on the progress and implementation of the project.
“Today, we came here to personally witness the progress being recorded under the Women Affinity Groups in Katsina State. The programme commenced in Daura, Funtua and Katsina Local Government Areas, and we wanted to see firsthand the achievements recorded by the beneficiaries,” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda revealed that Daura Local Government Area alone has 765 Women Affinity Groups, each comprising 25 members, bringing the total number of beneficiaries in the area to about 19,000 women.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of commitment demonstrated by the women, noting that they had successfully organised themselves into groups, mobilised savings and established transparent leadership structures.
“What we have seen today confirms that we are on the right path. These women have demonstrated commitment by organising themselves, saving collectively and supporting one another. Government will continue to build on this commitment by providing additional support,” he said.
The Governor explained that members had consistently operated their savings scheme for about 18 weeks, during which they elected their own leaders and managed their affairs with discipline, transparency and accountability.
He described the initiative as a transformative intervention capable of changing the economic fortunes of women across Katsina State.
“If we continue implementing this initiative successfully, only Almighty Allah knows where the women of Katsina State will be in the coming years. What we have witnessed today has exceeded our expectations,” Governor Radda noted.
Governor Radda observed that with about 19,000 beneficiaries in Daura alone, thousands of families and small businesses were already benefiting from the programme’s multiplier effect.
He stressed that empowering women economically strengthens families and contributes to sustainable community development.
“When a woman becomes economically independent, she supports her husband, ensures her children receive education, assists when family members are sick and contributes to feeding the household. Empowering women therefore means empowering families and the entire community,” he added.
Governor Radda explained that the project, implemented in partnership with the World Bank, received ₦4 billion counterpart funding from the Katsina State Government because of its enormous potential to transform lives.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to extending the programme beyond the three pilot Local Government Areas to cover all 34 Local Government Areas of the state.
“We do not want this programme to remain only in Daura, Funtua and Katsina. Our goal is to expand it across all the 34 Local Government Areas so that every eligible woman can benefit from this life-changing initiative,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda further announced that the remarkable success of the initiative had inspired his administration to commence plans for the introduction of the Nigeria for Men Initiative, designed to provide similar economic empowerment opportunities for men across the state.
“After the successful implementation of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up, we also intend to introduce the Nigeria for Men Initiative. By investing in programmes that directly improve the lives of our people, we will achieve lasting socio-economic transformation,” he stated.
The Governor urged beneficiaries to remain committed to the programme, sustain the culture of savings and continue supporting one another for the benefit of their families and communities.
He also commended the Ministry of Women Affairs, the State Project Coordination Unit, Local Government Implementation Units, ward facilitators and all stakeholders for their dedication to the successful implementation of the initiative.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi, appreciated Governor Radda for personally visiting the communities to assess the progress of the Nigeria for Women Project.
She said the Governor’s visit would further motivate beneficiaries, strengthen community participation and reinforce the successful implementation of the programme across Katsina State.
The Commissioner assured the Governor of the Ministry’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project and welcomed continued guidance and support towards achieving its objectives.
Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Project, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed Yusuf, explained that the initiative is built on a structured community savings model designed to promote financial discipline, self-reliance and mutual support among women.
She noted that members make regular savings based on agreed contributions, while the project operates under transparent and internationally recognised guidelines.
During the visit, members of several Women Affinity Groups showcased their savings activities, highlighting the programme’s growing impact on improving women’s livelihoods across the participating communities.
The inspection visit was attended by the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; and other senior government officials.
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