Foundation Strengthens Women Empowerment Initiative In Gusau

The AUG Foundation has strengthened its women-focused empowerment drive through a partnership with Kungiyar Tallafin Mata Masu Dubara (MMD), with women entrepreneurs benefiting from financial support during an event held on Saturday in Gusau, Zamfara State.

The programme, led by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Malam Abdulhafiz Umar Barau (Dan Isan Gusau/Magayakin Tsafe), provided seed capital to women traders and small-scale business owners to expand their enterprises and improve household income.

The event attracted women cooperatives, community leaders, and stakeholders from across Zamfara Central.

Organisers said the initiative forms part of a larger empowerment framework that will be replicated across all 14 Local Government Areas and Emirate Councils in Zamfara State.

At the event, the Mata Masu Dubara group honoured Malam Abdulhafiz Umar Barau with a Humanitarian Award in recognition of his long-standing support for women and youth empowerment. The citation praised his “consistent compassion, commitment, and service to the less privileged,” describing him as a champion of women-led businesses and vulnerable families.

Beneficiaries of the scheme described the intervention as timely, especially in the face of current economic pressures.

One of the recipients said the financial assistance would “help many of us rebuild and strengthen our businesses,” while another commended the Foundation’s CEO for “demonstrating that women matter and that our contribution to the economy is recognised.”

Leader of Mata Masu Dubara, Hajiya Suwaiba, applauded the collaboration and described the award given to Dan Isan Gusau as “well deserved,” noting that his efforts continue to uplift communities across the state.

Coordinator of the Foundation, Abdul Bala Gusau, said the empowerment programme is part of a continuous intervention strategy.

“This is not a one-off event. The Founder has directed that the initiative be extended to all 14 LGAs in Zamfara State. Our commitment is to provide sustainable support that strengthens communities,” he said.