State Government Allocates Additional ₦500 Million to Support Women Entrepreneurs
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment, describing the “Where Influence Meets Investment” Summit as a vital platform for promoting inclusive economic development and sustainable growth.
This was contained in a statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor issued to newsmen.
Speaking today at the high-level Katsina Inner Wheel Development Initiative Summit, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Governor Radda said the event provides a strategic space for women leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and development partners to explore practical pathways for economic empowerment, leadership development, and skills acquisition.
“I deliberately chose to come and remain until the end of this programme because any initiative that focuses on the development of women deserves my full attention and support. Developing women is, quite simply, developing society,” Governor Radda stated.
The Governor disclosed that the Katsina State Government will provide an additional ₦500 million dedicated specifically to supporting women entrepreneurs across the state, with the aim of enhancing skills, expanding businesses, and creating sustainable livelihoods.
“Let me assure you today that I stand firmly with you, and my administration will continue to support initiatives that empower women across Katsina State,” he added.
Governor Radda stressed that the summit represents more than a gathering, describing it as a bold declaration to unite economic capital with leadership influence. “Influence without investment is inspiration without impact. Investment without influence is capital without conscience.
But when influence and investment converge, economies grow, societies become more equitable, and nations rise,” he said.
Highlighting the critical role of women in societal development, the Governor noted: “Any society that marginalises its women limits its own potential.
Any economy that excludes women undermines its productivity. And any leadership that fails to empower women weakens its foundation for peace, innovation, stability, and sustainable growth.”On women’s contribution to enterprise and community development, he observed that women remain central to economic and social stability.
“Women drive enterprise, sustain families, strengthen communities, and shape future generations. Yet, too often, their influence has not been matched with equitable access to capital, markets, opportunities, and decision-making spaces,” he said.
Governor Radda further highlighted Katsina State’s deliberate efforts to improve women’s representation in governance, including appointments to the State Executive Council. “When women thrive, households prosper. When women build businesses, jobs multiply. When women lead, communities become more inclusive, stable, and forward-looking,” he stated.
He also outlined recent achievements of the administration, noting that over 14,000 women were empowered last week, 1,000 adolescent girls were supported two weeks earlier, and more than 36,000 women benefited from various empowerment programmes last year.”Capital must be intentional, and investment must be inclusive.
Our banks and financial institutions must deliberately create pathways that allow local women to access finance with dignity and ease,” the Governor said,
while noting that Katsina State has invested over ₦4 billion in the Nigerian Women Project.Addressing women leaders and young women across the state, Governor Radda said:
“To our women leaders and entrepreneurs, your voice, vision, and values matter. To young women across Katsina State, your future is not on hold. You do not need permission to prepare, nor validation to lead.
“He concluded by stressing the importance of action over rhetoric. “History will not judge us by our speeches, but by the systems we build, the lives we uplift, and the courage we show when it matters most.
Together, we can build a future where ideas become investment, influence becomes impact, and Katsina State emerges as a model of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
“In her welcome address, Hajiya Amina Zayyana, Founder of the Katsina Inner Wheel Development Initiative (KIWDI) stated that the summit positions women as investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and problem-solvers. “When women’s businesses grow, families stabilise, communities thrive, and the state prospers,” she said.
She explained that the summit connects women to opportunities, support systems, and critical resources. “This is about more than encouragement. It is about training, digital inclusion, market access, and systemic support,” she added.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hadiza Yaradua commended Governor Radda for recognising women as vital economic assets.
She highlighted the HAPI App, a digital ecosystem that provides mentorship, digital literacy, and seed capital to women nationwide.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Aisha Aminu Malunfashi, applauded the organisers of the summit and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structured, result-driven women empowerment initiatives.
She highlighted key programmes, including Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across all local governments, access to MSME funding, and ongoing skills development initiatives.
Former Inspector General of Police, Alkali Usman Baba, described women’s empowerment as a governance necessity. “Societies that exclude women undermine their moral authority, institutions, and development potential,” he said, while commending Katsina State for its comprehensive and inclusive approach.
The summit was attended by representatives of federal agencies, DG Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, Dr Olayiwola Awakan, former Minister of Aviation and Pro-Chancellor of Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, Senator Hadi Sirika; the Chief Executive Officer of KB Lamah Motors, Kabir Lamah Malumfashi; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; business leaders; women entrepreneurs; and development partners.
