By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
The Bago Women Empowerment Grant has empowered 2,500 women entrepreneurs in Kontagora, Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.
This initiative was carried out with each beneficiary receiving N100,000 to boost their small businesses, totaling N250 million in funding.
Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago’s administration, it was learnt, has designed the programme to support nano-businesses run by women.
This was a focus on community-driven development and inclusivity.
The Special Adviser and Focal Person, National Social Investment Programme in Niger State, Hauwa Bako, led government officials to an over a week activity, saying the selection process involved traditional rulers, community leaders, women leaders, and religious leaders to identify deserving beneficiaries.
She added that the initiative prioritized women from diverse backgrounds, including Fulani women, women with disabilities, widows, and low-income households.
According to Bako this approach ensures that the benefits reach a wide cross-section of women in Kontagora.
Beneficiaries, including Hadiza Bala and Larai Isah of Kawo village, who were visibly excited, expressed their willingness to invest in their existing livelihood activities.
The activity according to community leaders remains the biggest social in mumtervention initiative to have been carried out in recent years.