The World Bank has announced a $100 million investment in women’s empowerment programs in six Nigerian states.
Michael Ilesannmi, a World Bank social development specialist, revealed this on Thursday during the Nigeria For Women project in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
Ogun, Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Kebbi, Taraba, and Niger are the states listed by Ilesanmi, who is also the Task Leader for the NFW project.
The project, he claims, is a Nigerian government initiative aimed at empowering women to become economically self-sufficient. The program has the backing of the World Bank.
“This project, the Nigeria For Women project, is a government of Nigeria program with World Bank support,” Ilesannmi explained.
“The Nigeria For Women project’s first phase is a $100 million World Bank-funded initiative being implemented by the government in six Nigerian states: Ogun, Abia, Akwa-Ibon, Kebbi, Taraba, and Niger.
“It is based on the government’s priority to invest in women because it is smart economics to do so.”
Improving women’s livelihoods and attempting to change discriminatory social norms that prevent women from reaching their full potential.”
Shubaham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director, said in his speech that the project aimed to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure and economic development.
“The World Bank is working with Nigeria and the government of Ogun State to empower women and grow the country’s economy,” he said.
“A program like this aids primary and family healthcare by ensuring that every child and family receives medical attention. It enables the 15 million children who should be in school to stay in school; farmers have access to markets; and every Nigerian has access to electricity.
“So, there are so many potentials in Nigeria across the board, and the government needs to make a certain investment in the people, in the infrastructure, and that is what we are here to do.”
