Bashir Opaluwa Idris
The Director General of Kogi State Broadcasting Corporation (KSBC), Princess Nana-Hauwa Yusuff, has reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to partnering with the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) to advance women empowerment and grassroots development across Kogi State.
Princess Nana-Hauwa gave the assurance when the Kogi State Project Coordinator of NFWP-SU, Dr. Esther Ameadaji, led her team on a courtesy visit to the corporation’s headquarters in Lokoja.
The Director General described women as critical drivers of development, noting that empowering women ultimately strengthens families and society.
She commended the programme’s vision and slogan, “We are for women,” stressing that women remain central to nation-building.
Princess Nana-Hauwa praised Dr. Ameadaji for assembling a strong and formidable team, adding that their professionalism had already fostered collaboration with the Corporation even before the official visit.
According to her, the Corporation will continue to deploy its wide radio network to ensure the programme’s messages reach grassroots communities.
While noting that the corporation operates booster stations in Okene, Egbe and Ochaja, in addition to its headquarters in Lokoja, making radio a powerful tool for reaching rural dwellers, farmers and communities with limited access to television or social media, Princess Nana-Hauwa expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for giving women opportunities to occupy leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to governance and development in the state.
Earlier, the Kogi State Project Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up, Dr. Esther Ameadaji, thanked management of the corporation for the warm reception and consistent support, including the airing of jingles to promote the programme.
While extending her condolences with the corporation over the recent loss of a staff member, Dr. Ameadaji said the NFWP-SU is a Federal Government of Nigeria initiative implemented through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs with support from the World Bank.
She noted that the programme is designed to empower women socially and economically, particularly vulnerable women, through improved livelihoods, capacity building and enhanced access to opportunities.
According to the Project Coordinator, the programme targets women aged 18 years and above who are engaged in income-generating activities, bringing them together in groups of 25 known as Women Affinity Groups (WAGs).
“These groups meet weekly under the guidance of trained ward facilitators who provide training on savings culture, record keeping, financial management, community engagement and access to wider markets.”
Dr. Ameadaji noted that the Kogi State Government has approved the implementation of the programme in three local government areas, starting with Okene Local Government Area.
She added that 121 facilitators have already been recruited and would soon undergo training before being deployed to communities.
While emphasized that empowering women has a direct positive impact on families and society, Dr. Ameadaji noted that the programme is inclusive and open to all categories of women, including persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, regardless of the size of their businesses.
The State Project Coordinator who stressed the importance of effective communication and public awareness, described radio as the most effective medium for reaching remote communities.
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