In a major step toward inclusive economic growth and grassroots development, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, has flagged off a landmark women empowerment programme targeting 14,450 women entrepreneurs across the state.
The initiative, implemented under the administration’s Building Your Future Agenda, provides direct financial support complemented by structured technical and institutional assistance to women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises across all 34 Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The programme is designed to support women engaged in diverse economic activities, including artisanship, trading, agriculture, tailoring, dyeing, food processing, and petty commodity businesses, many of whom play critical roles in sustaining household incomes and local economies.
In his address at the ceremony, Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to women-focused policies, describing the programme as a strategic investment in human capital, social stability, and long-term economic development. He emphasized that empowering women strengthens families, enhances food security, and accelerates community-level growth.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs commended the Governor for prioritizing women’s economic inclusion and described the programme as a bold and timely intervention that addresses longstanding barriers faced by women entrepreneurs. She noted that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s mandate to promote economic self-reliance, dignity, and social protection for women across Katsina State.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs highlighted the programme’s strong grassroots orientation, stressing that its reach across all local government areas ensures equitable distribution and community ownership. He affirmed the readiness of local government structures to support effective implementation and monitoring at the ward level.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development praised the programme for its intergenerational impact, noting that empowering women has direct positive effects on youth development, household stability, and social cohesion. He emphasized that economically empowered women are better positioned to support education, skills acquisition, and mentorship for young people.
The Coordinator of the Community Development Programme (CDP) described the initiative as a practical demonstration of people-centered governance, adding that CDP officers will play a key role in mobilization, verification, follow-up, and accountability to ensure the programme delivers lasting results at the community level.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs lauded the initiative as a landmark policy achievement and reaffirmed the legislature’s support for laws and oversight mechanisms that promote women’s economic empowerment, transparency, and sustainability.
Speaking on behalf of women beneficiaries, the Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed appreciation to the Governor for his inclusive leadership and for recognizing women as critical drivers of economic growth. She assured the government of the beneficiaries’ commitment to using the support responsibly and productively.
The ALGON Chairman also commended the initiative, describing it as a model for collaborative governance between the state and local governments. He emphasized that local councils would provide continuous support and monitoring to ensure the programme achieves its intended social and economic outcomes.
The Katsina State Government reaffirmed that beneficiary selection followed a transparent and merit-based process, anchored on verified engagement in legitimate small-scale enterprises. The administration also reiterated its commitment to continuous mentorship, cooperative development, market access, and institutional support to ensure sustainability.
As implementation progresses, the government restated its resolve to build a Katsina State where the economic empowerment of women translates into stronger families, resilient communities, and inclusive statewide prosperity.
