N100,000 MILLION EMPOWERMENT SCHEME FOR WOMEN IN KEBBI STATE

The Kebbi State Government has rolled out a 100 million naira scheme for women groups to enable them engage in profitable ventures for sustainable economic empowerment.

Under the scheme N25 million has been allocated as interest free loans to women co-op groups. Another N35 million has been used to purchase common household items which trade groups will resell for profit. A separate program targeting youths will rolled out later in the year. Two main manufacturers working in partnership with the Kebbi State multipurpose scheme are Procter and Gamble and Eleganza Nigeria Limited.

Launching the program and commissioning the central warehouse at Bulasa, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said women empowerment is the fastest way to lift our communities out of the dredges of poverty. He commended the State House of Assembly for approving the scheme adding that his administration would increase the money to One Billion Naira if the program succeeds.

The Governor directed all the wives of local government chairmen in the state to own the program and be steadfast in repaying the loan.

Speaking at Bulasa, the initiator of the scheme Dr. Zainab Bagudu pledged to
personally supervise the scheme to ensure its sustainability.

She commended the collaborating partners Eleganza and P&G for supporting  and urged the women groups use the relationship to strive to become direct distributors. Earlier in the day she visited Dakingari town where she opened a flagship store “Gatan Kowa” which is in all 21 LGAs of the state.

The commissioner for women affairs and social development Hajiya Tsahara Bawa Ribah commended Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu for introducing the program and assures that her ministry will see to its successful implementation. She advised beneficiaries of the money to utilize the funds judiciously.

Contributions were taken from various partners, coordinating committee chair Hajiya Hajo Abdullahi Zuru, as well as beneficiaries.