TUNDE BOLAJI -MINNA.
In its efforts to ensure food security, the Federal Government has inaugurated Rice Processing Factories in Niger State under the Nigeria For Women Project.
The project is a World Bank-assisted initiative aimed at empowering women and boosting local economies.
During the commissioning ceremony held in Izom, Gurara Local Government Area, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim emphasized the project’s significant impact across the state, highlighting the establishment of 41 processing mills: 13 in Gurara, 16 in Agaie, and 12 in Wushishi.
The Minister commended the State government for its unwavering support towards women’s development and noted that the initiative aligns with the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which aims to extend the program to all 36 states for broader impact.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, celebrated the project as unprecedented, acknowledging women as vital financial managers crucial to societal development.
He pledged continued support for the initiative and announced that the state government would purchase rice from the women to cater for boarding students.
In addition, Governor Bago revealed the construction of a creche for childcare and a primary healthcare center to address the health needs of women workers.
He also ordered the construction of a 5 km road connecting Izom to the factory.
Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, reiterated the commitment to uplift women’s livelihoods and urged the women of Gurara to engage with government policies and programs.
Task Team Leader for the Nigeria For Women Project, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, highlighted that each factory can produce two tons of rice daily, contributing to the 302 projects supported by the initiative nationwide.
He noted that the project has positively impacted the lives of 460,000 women across the country.
Gurara Local Government Council Chairman Abdulhalim Abubakar described the project as a milestone for economic empowerment, boosting rice production, job creation, and income generation.
A symbolic cheque of N492 million was presented to the 41 women’s groups for operational costs, affirming the government’s commitment to gender equity and women’s socio-economic empowerment.
In a show of support for the Green Initiative, the Minister and Governor Bago also planted trees in the area.
Together, let’s sow the seeds of progress for women in Niger State.
