Women Affairs Minister Inaugurates Bokwosayi Women Rice Processing Factory in Niger

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, alongside the Governor of Niger State, Hon. Umaru Mohammed Bago, on Wednesday inaugurated the Bokwosayi Women Rice Processing Factory in Gwachipe, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State.

This initiative, part of the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), aims to empower women by providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed in the agricultural and business sectors.

The inauguration of the factory marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and economic inclusion.

The factory is equipped with integrated childcare facilities built by the governor , with a promise to upgrade it into a primary health care standard, which will address a major barrier to women’s full economic participation.

The Minister, in her remarks, highlighted the collaboration between the Federal Government, the World Bank, and the Niger State Government, noting that such partnerships are key to creating an environment where women can thrive, thereby reducing cases of sexual and gender based violence.

She also praised the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, whose commitment to women’s empowerment have been instrumental in the success of initiatives like the NFWP.

She further emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to scaling such impactful programs across the country, urging all stakeholders to continue supporting women’s economic empowerment.

“When women succeed, families thrive, communities flourish, and nations prosper,” she concluded.

On his part, Mr Michaal Ilesanmi, the World Bank representative at the event, thanked the Governor and the minister for finding time to honor their invitation.

He asserted that such economic empowerment is what is needed to improve the livelihood of families and the economy.

Ilesanmi added that the facilities in the state had the capacity to produce 60 tonnes of rice on a daily basis.

The women danced and thanked their governor whom they described as the ‘farmer governor ‘ because of his investments in Agriculture.