Gombe Approves N3.5bn to Support Women Across All 11 LGAs

(Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Photo Credit: Leadership News)

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved N3.5 billion as counterpart funding to scale up the Nigeria for Women Project across all 11 Local Government Areas of the state.

The Task Team Lead of the project, Michael Ilesonmi, announced this in Deba, headquarters of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area.

The Governor was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who witnessed a demonstration of how Women Affinity Group meetings are run.

Ilesonmi praised Gombe as the best-performing state in carrying out the programme.

He said the new funding will take it beyond the three LGAs now taking part, which are Balanga, Yamaltu-Deba and Funakye, to every LGA in the state.

He said this will let many more women benefit from savings, financial empowerment, livelihood and business support.

The Governor said his administration is committed to women's economic empowerment and to creating a good environment for women and girls to thrive.

He said the state has backed several programmes for women and girls, including the AGILE Project, and urged women to make full use of the chances offered by government and development partners.

He also encouraged them to take a bigger role in politics, leadership and decision-making.

He said support for women must last beyond any single administration and that the state must build lasting programmes, policies and institutions to keep it going.

Earlier, the National Project Coordinator, Dr. Hadiza Maina, explained that the Women Affinity Groups give women a place to save, get loans, grow businesses and take a stronger part in economic and social life.

The N3.5 billion announcement drew cheers from women beneficiaries.

Some said the programme has improved their financial discipline, pushed them to save and reduced their need to depend on others.