The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has inaugurated the Nigerian For Women Project (NFWP) Bokwosayi women rice processing factory in Gwachipe, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State. She commended the World Bank and Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, for their critical contributions to the transformative project, describing it as a beacon of progress for Nigerian women.
Highlighting the innovative childcare facilities integrated into the factory, the Minister praised the initiative for addressing the significant barrier of balancing work and family responsibilities. “This step exemplifies forward-thinking leadership and sets a precedent for inclusive economic planning,” she remarked. She further emphasized that the NFWP reflects the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, to achieving gender equality and improving women’s socio-economic status.
Speaking on the impact of the project, Mr. Micheal Ilesanmi, representing the World Bank Country Director, noted that the NFWP aims to economically empower women, enhance household welfare, and boost state economies. He shared that the factory, along with 29 others in the state, can produce two tonnes of rice daily. Governor Bago also expressed his joy, stating that empowering women creates a ripple effect, benefiting families and communities, and pledged his administration’s continued support for women-focused initiatives.
The Minister celebrated the project’s role in reducing gender-based violence, fostering family cohesion, and training the next generation. She thanked the World Bank and Governor Bago for helping make women’s dreams a reality. “Empowered women are building empowered families and communities,” she said, reiterating her belief in the transformative power of initiatives like the NFWP.
