Katsina Secures $8M World Bank Support for Women

Katsina State has received a fresh $8 million support from the World Bank to enhance its Women Empowerment Programme. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced this funding during a meeting in Abuja, which included representatives from the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

The additional funds, expected to range from $6 million to $8 million, will be front-loaded this year to expedite the program's expansion across all 34 local government areas in the state. This initiative is critical for reducing poverty, strengthening household income, and promoting community resilience, particularly in areas affected by conflict.

Governor Radda stated that the state government has already provided N4 billion as counterpart funding for the project and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to women's economic empowerment. Plans are also in place to extend initiatives to men, promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance among youth.

Hajiya Imaan Ibrahim Suleiman, the Minister of Women Affairs, discussed the challenges of implementation and the goal to reach 10 million beneficiaries nationwide.