Niger State Government has promised to set aside N100 million for widows empowerment programme in the state.
The State Governor, Umaru Bago stated this when he declared open the “Bago Widows Skills Training and Empowerment Programme” held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, Minna.
The training with the theme’ Crafting Independence’ is to empower 500 widows with skills that would make them self-reliant.
Bago explained that the training was timely considering the harsh economic situation people are facing.
He said the state government will expand the programme to all the 25 local government areas of the state under the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
The Governor also promised to give each of the 500 participants N100, 000 through the NG-CARES, in addition to the starter packs that would be given to them.
He said the gesture was to encourage the widows engage in meaningful ventures that will enable them fend for themselves instead of resorting to begging.
He said the state government through relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will continue to promote programmes that would benefit the widows.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Girl-child, Hajiya Hannatu Salihu Jibril in her remarks, acknowledged that widows are faced with unique challenges but the state government remains resolute in providing a platform for their empowerment.
While commending Governor Umaru Bago for his visionary leadership in uplifting the lives of the vulnerable in the society, she urged the benefiting widows not to be discouraged by the challenges of life, but they should rather stay strong and remain hopeful of better days ahead.
The Coordinator, Widows Affairs Niger State, Hassana Abubakar who expressed gratitude for the love and compassion the Governor has for widows, said his support to widows in the state is unprecedented.”
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