Niger Governor’s Wife Seeks Monarchs’ Support For Pro-Women Initiatives

Wife of Niger State governor, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, has sought the support of traditional rulers to advance initiatives that lift women and strengthen families.

She made the request during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouq Bahago, to seek royal blessings for Extend Women Initiatives and Empowerment under the Nigeria for Women Project.

She used the visit to introduce the second phase of the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up Programme (NFWP-SP) at the Emir’s Palace in Minna, the state capital.

Hajiya Bago stated that the support of traditional rulers remained vital in advancing initiatives that benefit women and families.

She stressed the need for women to key into the mission and vision of the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up Program (NFWP-SP) to ensure the maximum presence of business-oriented programmes in Niger State and across the country.

She appreciated the Emir of Minna’s fatherly guidance, wisdom and peaceful leadership, while promising total support for a good number of women in the state to benefit from the project.

Alhaji Bahago, in his response, assured the team of his full support, as well as the Emirate Council’s total compliance, in working closely with district heads to sensitise communities on the importance of empowering women for sustainable development.

The commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, explained that the visit was to seek the emir’s support, particularly in encouraging men to allow women to participate in the initiative.

The state coordinator of the programme, Muhammad Sarki Bello, described the project as a strategic initiative supported by the World Bank Group and designed to improve women’s livelihoods through financial inclusion, strengthen women’s groups and expand economic opportunities.