In a bold move to strengthen women’s economic empowerment and drive grassroots development, the Niger State Government has disbursed ₦250 million to support 2,500 women entrepreneurs in Kontagora Local Government Area. The initiative, launched under the Bago Women Empowerment Grant, stands out as one of the most significant social intervention programmes introduced by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration.
Each beneficiary received a grant of ₦100,000 aimed at boosting small-scale and nano-businesses, in line with the Governor’s vision of building a “New Niger” anchored on inclusivity, economic resilience, and people-centred growth.
Speaking during the week-long rollout of the scheme, Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser and Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) in Niger State, explained that the selection process was designed to uphold fairness and transparency. Beneficiaries were nominated by traditional rulers, community leaders, women leaders, and religious leaders to ensure that the funds reached those most in need. She further highlighted that the programme specifically targeted Fulani women, widows, women with disabilities, and women from low-income households, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusivity.
“This empowerment is not just about providing financial assistance,” Bako remarked. “It is about giving women the opportunity to strengthen their livelihoods, contribute to their households, and by extension, to the economy of Niger State.”
Excited beneficiaries such as Hadiza Bala and Larai Isah from Kawo village expressed gratitude to the state government, pledging to channel the grants into expanding their small businesses to improve household income and stability. Local community leaders welcomed the intervention as the largest social empowerment initiative in recent years, commending Governor Bago for placing women at the heart of his administration’s development strategy.
Analysts also view the grant as a timely response to economic challenges facing rural communities, particularly women who play critical roles in sustaining households through small-scale enterprises. By directly investing in nano-businesses, the administration is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for long-term poverty reduction, job creation, and grassroots economic resilience.
As implementation continues, expectations are rising that the programme will be scaled to other local government areas, extending its ripple effects to thousands more women across Niger State. With this initiative, the Bago administration has reaffirmed its resolve to prioritise women as central drivers of the state’s march towards a more inclusive and prosperous “New Niger.”
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