August 25, 2025 – The Niger State government on Monday empowered 2,500 women in Kontagora Local Government Area with N250 million under Governor Umaru Bago’s women empowerment grant to boost businesses across the community.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Investment Programme and Focal Person, National Social Investment Programmes, Hauwa Bako, disbursed the funds on behalf of the governor.
She explained that each of the beneficiaries received N100,000 to support their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
According to her, the initiative was designed to support nano-businesses owned by women and to promote community-driven development and inclusivity.
“The initiative prioritised women from diverse backgrounds, including Fulani women, women with disabilities, widows, and low-income households. The approach ensures that the initiative reached a wide cross-section of women in Kontagora and environs,” Ms Bako said.
She further disclosed that the process of selecting the beneficiaries was community-based, with inputs from traditional leaders, women leaders, and religious leaders, to make sure only deserving women were included in the programme.
Two beneficiaries, Hadiza Bala and Larak Isah, both from Kawo Village, expressed appreciation to the Niger government for the grant. They said the empowerment would enable them to expand their businesses, improve income, and provide better support for their families.
The women empowerment grant, which is part of Governor Bago’s economic development agenda, is expected to strengthen small-scale businesses, encourage financial inclusion, and reduce poverty among women in the state.