By Becky Maina, Gombe
For many women, access to economic opportunity depends not only on the availability of empowerment programmes, but on how effectively those programmes are implemented at the community level.
In Gombe State, attention is now shifting towards strengthening the systems and personnel responsible for delivering women-focused interventions.
The Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project, is being implemented in the state as a response to persistent gaps in women’s economic empowerment, particularly among poor and unbanked women who remain excluded from formal financial systems.
To this end ,the Gombe State Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project (NFWSP), held a three-day orientation workshop for members of the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) and Local Project Implementation Units (LPIUs).
The training is designed to equip implementers with the skills, coordination tools, and accountability frameworks needed to translate policy commitments into sustainable economic opportunities for women at the grassroots.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Honourable Asama’u Muhammad Iganus, stressed the central role of implementers in the project’s success:
“The success of the Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project depends largely on the commitment and diligence of those implementing it at state and local levels. This orientation is an opportunity for participants to discharge their responsibilities with dedication and professionalism.”
She also highlighted the role of state leadership in securing the project:
“I commend Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his resilience and unwavering commitment to women empowerment, which ensured that Gombe State emerged as one of the beneficiary states of the Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project.”
In her remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajiya Fatima Umar Abubakar, emphasised the critical role of the SPCUs and LPIUs: “The roles of the State Project Coordinating Unit and the Local Project Implementation Units are critical to the sustainability of this project. This orientation will strengthen collaboration, improve coordination, and enhance effective service delivery across the state.”
The State Project Coordinator, Hajiya Hauwa Adamu Saraki, encouraged participants to see their roles as an opportunity to drive meaningful change:
“We encourage members of the SPCU and LPIUs to see their engagement in this project as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of women in Gombe State through dedication to service.”
She acknowledged the persistent challenges facing women in northern Nigeria: “Women empowerment remains a major challenge, particularly in northern Nigeria. The Nigeria for Women Project, initiated by the Federal Government with the support of the World Bank, is a deliberate response to this challenge.”
Hajiya Saraki added that political commitment played a key role in attracting the project to the state:
“The determination of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to prioritise women empowerment played a significant role in attracting this project to Gombe State.”
Explaining the project’s structure and long-term goals, she said:“The project is designed to expand economic opportunities for poor and unbanked women. Over the next five years, it will institutionalise Women’s Affinity Groups—community-based savings and support groups that build social capital, promote collective action, and link women to formal financial systems and markets.”
She further explained the rationale for the LGAs selected as focal points:
“Yamaltu-Deba, Funakaye, and Balanga Local Government Areas were selected as focal LGAs based on their population size and the availability of dams and rivers that offer significant agrarian and business opportunities.”
In a goodwill message, the representative of the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Jibrin Yusuf, reminded participants of their responsibilities as public servants: “As public servants, participants must adhere strictly to civil service rules, uphold teamwork, and remain dedicated to their assigned responsibilities to ensure the success of this project.”
Also speaking, the Head of Operations for the Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project in Gombe State, Mr Umar Faruk, emphasised the importance of operational efficiency and adherence to project guidelines, noting that strong systems and clear reporting lines are essential for achieving measurable outcomes.
Providing further insight into the community-focused approach, the Community Institutions Building CIB Adviser, Mrs Blessing Ogbobe,explained that strengthening local institutions is key to long-term sustainability, as Women’s Affinity Groups are designed to be community-owned structures that can thrive beyond the project’s lifespan.
Some participants expressed appreciation for the orientation and pledged to apply the skills gained. Rhoda Jauro said: “This orientation has given us clearer understanding of our roles, and we are committed to applying the knowledge gained to support women at the grassroots.”
Hauwa Ibrahim added:
“We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the development of Gombe State, particularly in advancing women’s economic empowerment.”
Hannatu Simon, another participant, remarked: “Being part of this project allows me to directly support women in my community. I am motivated to ensure that the programmes achieve real impact on the ground.”
By focusing on capacity building, coordination, and accountability, Gombe State is addressing a key weakness that has limited the impact of many women empowerment programmes in the past.
The emphasis on Women’s Affinity Groups offers a sustainable pathway for women to build financial resilience, access markets, and participate actively in economic decision-making.
As implementation progresses, the real measure of success will lie in how effectively these structures translate into increased incomes, improved savings, and long-term economic stability for women across the state.