The Aziza Development Foundation, in collaboration with the Alternative Bank and the National Council for Women Service (NCWS), has launched a groundbreaking initiative to empower 2,000 women across 10 communities in Katsina with essential financial literacy and management skills.
The “LightHer Programme” initiative was introduced at an official event in Katsina town yesterday. The event brought together stakeholders to support and raise awareness for the project.
The manager of the Alternative Bank, Aisha Nasir, highlighted that the programme aims to train 200 women per community in crucial skills such as record keeping, budgeting, debt management, digital financial transformation, and protecting themselves against fraudulent schemes that could jeopardise their businesses.
Nasir emphasised that financial literacy is essential to help women gain stability and security in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Representing the Aziza Foundation, Mustapha Sadiq added that the programme also includes guidance on securing zero-interest loans to further support business growth for women, especially those running small businesses and the most vulnerable.
He expressed that the project aims to alleviate poverty among women by providing them with the tools needed to enhance their income and navigate the economic challenges affecting many households across Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, Wakili Kudu, and Abdul Iliyasu expressed gratitude to the Aziza Foundation for this initiative. He pledged the Emirate’s full support, noting that the programme aligns with the Emirate’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of its people, especially through women’s empowerment.
Hon. Ali Abubakar, representing Katsina’s local government, urged the programme facilitators to emphasise security awareness regarding ATM card usage. He called on community leaders to support the programme, stressing its potential to ease the economic hardships families face in the state.
The “LightHer Programme” marks a significant step towards fostering economic resilience for women in Katsina. The programme hopes that the skills learned will empower them to contribute actively to their community’s development and secure a more stable future for themselves and their families.
