By: John Bassey, Zamfara.

The Zamfara State Government has invested billions of naira in women education and economic empowerment programmes across the fourteen local government areas of the state as part of efforts to improve livelihoods and strengthen grassroots development.

This was disclosed by Garba Aliyu Gayari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, while representing the ministry at a three-day workshop on women economic empowerment organised by the Gender Department under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, held at Black Diamond Hotel.

Gayari said the achievements recorded in women education and empowerment initiatives were largely due to the visionary leadership of Dauda Lawal, whose administration has prioritised women development through education support and small-scale business grants.

According to him, the state government has taken bold steps to revive women-owned businesses and encourage entrepreneurship, especially among vulnerable groups.

Gayari further said the state government has introduced several empowerment initiatives that provide beneficiaries with financial assistance after undergoing business and entrepreneurship training designed to improve sustainability and economic independence.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the initiatives have significantly impacted women across the fourteen local government areas of the state, enabling many to support their families and contribute meaningfully to community development.

Gayari emphasised that economic empowerment of women plays a vital role in reducing insecurity and social vulnerability within communities.

“Empowered women invest in peace within their households and communities. They are better positioned to guide and nurture their children, instilling positive values, discipline, and resilience in those who will become the leaders of tomorrow,” he stated.

The Permanent Secretary further observed that empowered women are more committed to supporting their children’s education by ensuring school attendance, reducing dropout rates, and strengthening human capital development.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the office of the First Lady of Zamfara State, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, whose partnership with the office of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other development partners has continued to record significant milestones in women education and empowerment programmes across the state.

Gayari explained that several intervention programmes have been introduced to promote women’s economic self-reliance, including women skills acquisition programmes, conditional cash transfers, reproductive health sensitisation and small scale business, and women on digital economic empowerment schemes.

“These programmes have brought renewed hope to women across the state and improved the wellbeing of many families,” he added.

Garba Aliyu Gayari maintained that the ministry, under the leadership of Dr. Aisha M.Z. Anka, remains committed to strengthening collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, World Bank, and other development partners to sustain women empowerment programmes across Zamfara State.