By Christy Tamai
The Plateau State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and grassroots development through the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) project.
This was highlighted during an advocacy visit to key institutions and stakeholders across Jos South Local Government Area aimed at mobilizing support for the initiative targeted at improving the socio-economic well-being of women.
Representing Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Panglang Dafur, announced the state’s adoption of the empowerment programme. She explained that the project, which had recorded success in six pilot states, is focused on poverty reduction, improved household welfare, financial literacy, and combating gender-based violence through women’s economic empowerment.
The commissioner disclosed that the state government has committed ₦450 million to facilitate the take-off of the programme, describing the move as a clear demonstration of government’s resolve to prioritize sustainable development and women inclusion.
Project Coordinator, Nanret Agaba, stated that the initiative would establish Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) across communities in Plateau State. She said the pilot phase would cover Jos South, Mangu, and Mikang Local Government Areas, targeting 1,200 groups of women aged 18 years and above engaged in various livelihood activities.
Agaba added that 120 ward facilitators would be deployed to monitor and support the groups to ensure effective implementation and sustainability of the programme.
Head of Operations, Rayandy Kim Chuwang, emphasized the need for beneficiaries to mentor others in forming additional WAGs to guarantee sustainability. He also stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration, especially in the recruitment of ward facilitators.
Community Institutions Building Advisor, Musa Manmina, called for stronger stakeholder support and noted that ward facilitators would play a vital role in promoting community participation and ensuring long-term impact.
Stakeholders present at the engagements included the Deputy Chairman of Jos South Local Government, Lucy Michael, who represented the council chairman; Secretary to the Da Gwom Rwei Palace, Jonathan Dangyang; CAN Jos South Chairman, Reverend Hussani Gotan; JNI Jos South Chairman, Aliyu Suleiman; and Berom Development Association President, Dara Gyang Dudu.
The stakeholders commended the state government for the initiative, describing it as a major step toward improving women’s economic opportunities and strengthening social stability across communities.
The advocacy visit featured interactive sessions and was held at strategic locations including the Jos South Secretariat, Da Gwom Rwei Palace, CAN Jos South at ECWA Church Bukuru, JNI Jos South at Filin Sarki, and the Berom Development Association National Headquarters in Jos.
