KATSINA LAUNCHES N8BN FUND FOR 40,000 WOMEN

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda have launched an N8bn empowerment fund expected to benefit more than 40,000 women across the state.

The initiative is being implemented under the Community Investment Fund of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project, with disbursement beginning for eligible Women Affinity Groups.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Katsina, Shettima said the programme was designed to strengthen women’s economic capacity, improve household incomes and expand financial inclusion at the grassroots.

He said beneficiaries had met the eligibility requirements and demonstrated commitment through savings and group activities before accessing the fund.

The vice president described the initiative as an investment in women’s productive capacity and an avenue to provide business capital to beneficiaries.

Governor Radda also announced the state government’s commitment of additional funding to support the programme and expand opportunities for women across Katsina.

The initiative is expected to help beneficiaries strengthen existing businesses or establish new income-generating activities.

The fund forms part of wider efforts under the Nigeria for Women Programme to improve women’s access to finance and promote economic participation at the community level.