By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has set aside N630 million to empower 12,600 rural women across the state as part of his administration’s economic development agenda.
The governor made the disclosure during the distribution of N630m grants to beneficiaries at Gwari village in Dutse Local Government Area.
“This government has set aside a total sum of N630 million as an empowerment grant for 12,600 rural women across the state,” Governor Namadi declared. 
He explained that the initiative is a key component of his administration’s 12-point agenda, aimed at fostering economic growth among women in Jigawa.
Highlighting the importance of the program, the governor noted, “With many women facing economic challenges, and making up 51% of the population in Jigawa, it is critical to empower them to achieve poverty reduction in Jigawa.”
The grants, he added, are intended to help the women either improve existing businesses or start new ventures.
Governor Namadi also shared that the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Bank to further enhance women’s empowerment. As part of this partnership, the state has increased its counterpart funding from N50 million to N500 million. Additionally, N4 billion has been injected into the Bank of Industry to provide women with special financial packages, supplementing previous support programs.
“We are optimistic that, besides poverty eradication, empowering women will help reduce domestic crises, promote peace and love in families, and contribute to children’s moral upbringing, as well as public productivity and development in the state,” the governor added.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the grants wisely to improve their businesses and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
At the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, disclosed that 200 women were selected from Gwari Village and nearby communities for the grants.
The selection process she explained prioritized the needs of women in rural areas across all 27 local government areas of Jigawa State.
Hajiya Abdulwahab expressed gratitude on behalf of the women in Jigawa, thanking Governor Namadi for implementing policies and programs designed to support women in becoming self-reliant.