Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced that the Katsina State Government will provide an additional ₦500 million dedicated specifically to supporting women entrepreneurs across the state, with the aim of enhancing skills, expanding businesses, and creating sustainable livelihoods. The disclosure was made at the high-level Katsina Inner Wheel Development Initiative Summit held in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment, describing the summit themed “Where Influence Meets Investment” as a vital platform for promoting inclusive economic development and sustainable growth in Katsina State. According to him, the event brings together women leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and development partners to explore practical pathways for economic empowerment, leadership development, and skills acquisition.
Speaking at the summit, Governor Radda said his presence throughout the programme was deliberate. “I deliberately chose to come and remain until the end of this programme because any initiative that focuses on the development of women deserves my full attention and support. Developing women is, quite simply, developing society,” he stated.
He assured participants of continuous government backing for women-focused initiatives. “Let me assure you today that I stand firmly with you, and my administration will continue to support initiatives that empower women across Katsina State,” the Governor added.
Governor Radda stressed that the summit represents more than a routine gathering, describing it as a bold declaration to unite economic capital with leadership influence. “Influence without investment is inspiration without impact. Investment without influence is capital without conscience. But when influence and investment converge, economies grow, societies become more equitable, and nations rise,” he said.
Highlighting the critical role of women in societal development, the Governor noted that excluding women comes at a high cost. “Any society that marginalises its women limits its own potential. Any economy that excludes women undermines its productivity. And any leadership that fails to empower women weakens its foundation for peace, innovation, stability, and sustainable growth,” he said.
On women’s contribution to enterprise and community development, Governor Radda observed that women remain central to economic and social stability across communities. “Women drive enterprise, sustain families, strengthen communities, and shape future generations. Yet, too often, their influence has not been matched with equitable access to capital, markets, opportunities, and decision-making spaces,” he stated.
The Governor also highlighted Katsina State’s deliberate efforts to improve women’s representation in governance, including appointments to the State Executive Council. He said empowering women delivers direct benefits to households and communities. “When women thrive, households prosper. When women build businesses, jobs multiply. When women lead, communities become more inclusive, stable, and forward-looking,” he said.
Outlining recent achievements of his administration, Governor Radda disclosed that over 14,000 women were empowered last week alone, while 1,000 adolescent girls were supported two weeks earlier. He added that more than 36,000 women benefited from various empowerment programmes across the state last year.
The Governor further emphasised the need for intentional financing, calling on financial institutions to play a stronger role. “Capital must be intentional, and investment must be inclusive. Our banks and financial institutions must deliberately create pathways that allow local women to access finance with dignity and ease,” he said, noting that Katsina State has invested over ₦4 billion in the Nigerian Women Project.
Addressing women leaders and young women across the state, Governor Radda urged them to embrace leadership and self-belief. “To our women leaders and entrepreneurs, your voice, vision, and values matter. To young women across Katsina State, your future is not on hold. You do not need permission to prepare, nor validation to lead,” he said.
He concluded by stressing the importance of action over rhetoric in driving change. “History will not judge us by our speeches, but by the systems we build, the lives we uplift, and the courage we show when it matters most. Together, we can build a future where ideas become investment, influence becomes impact, and Katsina State emerges as a model of inclusive growth and shared prosperity,” the Governor stated.
In her welcome address, Hajiya Amina Zayyana, Founder of the Katsina Inner Wheel Development Initiative, said the summit positions women as investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem-solvers in the state’s development journey. “When women’s businesses grow, families stabilise, communities thrive, and the state prospers,” she said.
She explained that the summit connects women to opportunities, support systems, and critical resources needed to scale their ventures. “This is about more than encouragement. It is about training, digital inclusion, market access, and systemic support,” she added.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hadiza Yaradua commended Governor Radda for recognising women as vital economic assets rather than passive beneficiaries. She highlighted the HAPI App, a digital ecosystem designed to provide mentorship, digital literacy, and seed capital to women nationwide.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Aisha Aminu Malunfashi, also applauded the organisers of the summit and reaffirmed the Katsina State Government’s commitment to structured, result-driven women empowerment initiatives. She highlighted key programmes, including Women Affinity Groups across all local governments, access to MSME funding, and ongoing skills development initiatives.
Former Inspector General of Police, Alkali Usman Baba, described women’s empowerment as a governance necessity, not a choice. “Societies that exclude women undermine their moral authority, institutions, and development potential,” he said, while commending Katsina State for adopting a comprehensive and inclusive approach.
The summit attracted representatives of federal agencies, the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Dr Olayiwola Awakan, former Minister of Aviation and Pro-Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Senator Hadi Sirika, the Chief Executive Officer of KB Lamah Motors, Kabir Lamah Malumfashi, members of the Katsina State Executive Council, business leaders, women entrepreneurs, and development partners.
