ADVERTISEMENT

FG to empower women with N1.6bn – Minister reveals

The minister disclosed this during a one-day advocacy and sensitisation visit on Thursday in Minna.

Aisha Alhassan

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that Hajiya Aisha Alhassan, Minister of Women Affairs, disclosed this during a one-day advocacy and sensitisation visit on Thursday in Minna.

She said that the empowerment would provide micro-credit loans, especially for women in rural areas to develop their skills and become self-reliant.

“The scheme will be piloted in eight states for a start and will target about 10,000 women beneficiaries per state.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Three states from North East and one state selected from each of the remaining five geo-political zones of the country. And already, the empowerment and training programmes have commenced in Niger State,” she said.

Alhassan said that N200 million would be disbursed to the states through registered cooperatives, local trade associations and other community based groups.

He added that the beneficiaries would be given N100,000 loan repayable within six months.

She said that the loan would be disbursed directly to beneficiaries’ bank account through local banks and money agents to reach remote areas with no banking facilities.

She added that the loan would also be interest free without collateral and that only five per cent would be charged to cover bank expenses and administering the funds.

ADVERTISEMENT

The minister, however, urged women to key into the initiative, to free themselves from poverty and rebuild the country’s economy.

Similarly, Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger commended the Federal Government’s effort at empowering women and girls, adding that such step would make them financially free and contribute to the nation’s economy.

Bello, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, noted that government had made provision in the 2017 budget to give priority to women and youth empowerment.

Mrs Roseline, Abara, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, urged women to take advantage of the programme to empower themselves and improve their lots.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

Federal Govt set to sue Binance ltd, officials for tax evasion on April 4

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

What Nigerian law says about treatment of people with disabilities

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

Gambling investment is evil, will take away everything - Cleric warns youths

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

All teachers need to learn digital skills to earn their students’ respect

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Lagos lawmaker begins road construction in Yaba to ease residents' plights

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Over 100 inmates in Kano seek mercy, review of death sentences

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT