The Niger State government on Monday gave out ₦250 million to empower 2,500 women in Kontagora Local Government Area. The money was part of Governor Umaru Bago’s women empowerment grant aimed at boosting small businesses.
Hajiya Hauwa Bako, the governor’s Special Adviser on Social Investment Programme and the Focal Person for the National Social Investment Programmes, presented the grants to the women on behalf of the governor.
She explained that each woman received ₦100,000 to grow and improve their businesses.
According to her, the programme was designed to support very small businesses owned by women and to promote development that involves the community and includes everyone.
She added that the initiative focused on women from different groups, including Fulani women, women with disabilities, widows, and women from low-income families.
“This approach made sure the programme reached a wide range of women in Kontagora and nearby areas,” Bako said.
She also noted that the selection of beneficiaries was done with the help of traditional leaders, women leaders, and religious leaders to ensure only the right people benefited.
Some of the beneficiaries, Hadiza Bala and Larak Isah from Kawo Village, thanked the Niger government for the financial support.
They both promised to invest the money in their existing businesses, saying it would greatly improve their income and better their lives.
