The Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency has teamed up with the Chairmen of six Local Government Areas to enroll about 1,200 underprivileged women into the state’s Health Insurance Scheme.
This effort is part of the Agency’s EmpowerHer project, which also focuses on teaching the women digital and financial skills to help improve their lives.
The Director General of the Agency, Habiba Balarabe Suleiman, shared this information during a financial literacy event held at the Emir’s Palace and Ribi community in Awe Local Government Area.
She said the women were selected from 12 communities across six local councils—Lafia, Awe, Wamba, Akwanga, Keffi, and Karu.
According to her, “We are here to bring the EmpowerHer program to the people of Awe. Awe is one of the LGAs chosen for the first phase.”
She added, “These 1,200 women will get free access to health insurance services as part of this program.”
The cost of enrolling the women in the Health Insurance Scheme will be covered by the Chairmen of the six Local Government Areas.
She explained that the free health insurance will help protect the women’s businesses. Without it, they might have to use their profits or capital to pay for medical treatment if they fall sick.
Suleiman also said the Agency is working on forming the women into cooperatives and registering them with the Corporate Affairs Commission. This will help them qualify for government and other financial support programs.
She pointed out that the women are also receiving training in financial literacy and digital skills to help them grow their businesses and make more profit.
“We chose 100 women from each of the 12 communities, making 1,200 in total. We want them to be ready for future opportunities,” she explained.
She also noted that many women miss out on government grants because they don’t have bank accounts. The program will help them open new accounts or reactivate old ones. They will also get help with getting National Identity Numbers and other needed support.
Suleiman thanked Africa Human Capital Development Plus for supporting the Agency’s work and called on everyone in the state to support the Agency’s efforts to bring development and help people reach their full potential.
The Chairman of Awe Local Government Area, Umar Abubakar Dan’akano, was represented by the Secretary of the LGA, Yunusa Ismaila. He thanked the Agency and praised the DG for giving women in Awe access to such opportunities.
He encouraged the women to make good use of the support and improve their lives.
One of the beneficiaries, Peace Nuhu, spoke on behalf of the others. She thanked the Agency and local leaders for the support and promised they would use the opportunities wisely.
Earlier, the Emir of Awe, His Royal Highness Isa Abubakar Umar II, praised the Agency for starting the EmpowerHer project and promised to continue supporting their work.
