The Kano State Government in Northwest Nigeria has empowered 5,200 women across its 44 local government areas with N260 million to support small-scale businesses. Each woman received N50,000 as part of the Monthly Women Empowerment and Poverty Relief Programme, initiated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Governor Yusuf flagged off the second phase of disbursement at the Government House in Kano, reiterating his commitment to empowering women in the state. He emphasized that this initiative aims not only to alleviate economic hardship but also to improve the women's economic standards and overall well-being. The administration has dedicated N260 million monthly to fund this scheme, which also targets youth empowerment.
“We will not forget your support and voting powers and your decision to bring us to power. We know how you suffered in the rain and the sun during the electioneering period,” Governor Yusuf stated, urging the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to enhance their economic conditions and reduce poverty.
He also encouraged the women to apply the skills they acquired during training on how to run small businesses. “I hope you will make adequate utilization of the funds so that in the near future your business will grow,” he added.
Governor Yusuf announced that a similar empowerment program for men would soon be implemented, aimed at making them self-reliant and potential employers of labor. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of hygiene and sanitation, especially during the rainy season, to combat cholera and malaria. The government is actively engaged in cleaning up the environment by evacuating drainages and refuse dumps.
The State Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Hashimu Dungurawa, praised the Governor’s initiative, describing it as a "laudable gesture" that would significantly alleviate the suffering of women in the state.
Out of the 44 local government areas, 100 women from 36 LGAs benefited, while 200 women from the remaining 8 metropolitan LGAs also received support from the scheme.