Women in Benue State are being asked to apply for the Nigeria For Women Program Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) using their National Identification Number, NIN, as the state deepens collaboration with development partners on women empowerment.
The Benue State Government has strengthened its partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the World Bank following an advocacy visit by officials of the Nigeria for Women Program Scale-Up Project to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Makurdi.
The engagement, held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, focused on improving women’s livelihoods, expanding economic opportunities, and promoting inclusive development across selected local government areas in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Theresa Odachi Ikwue, described the visit as timely and strategic, noting that the project aligns with the development agenda of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, which prioritises human capital development and grassroots economic empowerment.
She expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Federal Project Coordinating Unit, and the World Bank for their support, assuring the delegation of transparency and accountability in project implementation.
The Commissioner commended the choice of Vandeikya, Okpokwu, and Gwer East Local Government Areas for the pilot phase, expressing confidence that the intervention would enhance livelihoods and promote peace and social cohesion.
Earlier, Mr. Afolabi Olajide of the Federal Project Coordinating Unit said the Nigeria for Women Project seeks to institutionalise Women’s Affinity Groups to support income generation and community development.
Mr. Yusuf Abdullahi, Monitoring and Evaluation Anchor, said Benue State is participating in the second phase of the project, with technical support from Abuja and the recruitment of qualified civil servants from the selected local government areas.
Mrs. Yetunde Fatogun, Co-Task Team Leader of the NFWP-SU, said the programme is designed to address gender inequality and improve women’s economic participation, while adhering to World Bank recruitment and quality standards.
She said advocacy visits to the leadership of the selected local government areas would follow.
All women in Benue State aged 18 to 70 years are eligible to benefit from the Nigeria For Women Program Scale-Up, with a valid NIN required for participation. Community leaders urged families to support women through registration and participation.
Read Also: Canada, Germany to fund 5,000 women-led businesses in Nigeria
