Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf on Tuesday distributed ₦260 million to 5,200 women across the state under the government’s ongoing empowerment programme.
The beneficiaries, drawn from all 44 local government areas, received ₦50,000 each to support small-scale enterprises aimed at improving household income and reducing poverty among women.
Yusuf said the state government had tightened procedures following reports of irregularities during the first phase of the initiative.
“After discovering discrepancies in the previous disbursement, we introduced new measures to ensure the funds reach the intended beneficiaries,” the governor said at the distribution ceremony in Kano.
He said each local government now has a 20-member oversight committee made up of traditional rulers, council chairmen, and party representatives to ensure transparency and accountability.
Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to invest the money in viable businesses to enhance their socio-economic status and that of their families.
The governor said the initiative fulfilled a key campaign promise made in 2023 to support women’s self-reliance and improve maternal and child health.
“We pledged to make you self-reliant and to take care of your health and that of your children. Today, we have fulfilled that promise,” he said.
Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, who also addressed the event, cautioned recipients against misusing the funds.
Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the intervention as timely and life-changing.