By Christy Tamai
The Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) has intensified stakeholder engagement in Mangu and Mikang Local Government Areas of Plateau State as part of efforts to strengthen support for women-focused economic empowerment initiatives.
The advocacy visits brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government officials, and community stakeholders to promote participation in the programme, which aims to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of women through the establishment of Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), financial inclusion initiatives, and access to savings and credit opportunities.
Speaking during the engagements, the Plateau State Project Coordinator of NFWP-SU, Barr. Nanret Agaba, explained that the project is designed to empower women in Jos South, Mangu, and Mikang by fostering entrepreneurship, encouraging savings culture, and building strong women-led support networks.
She noted that membership of the Women Affinity Groups would be open to women aged 18 years and above, regardless of religious or ethnic background, and would operate on principles of inclusiveness, accountability, rotational leadership, collective decision-making, and active participation.
According to Agaba, the programme seeks to expand economic opportunities for women, especially those who are financially excluded, while strengthening community cohesion and social capital.
In Mangu, the Mishkahan Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness Da John Putmang Hirse, mni, welcomed the initiative and praised the government for selecting the local government area as a resource centre for the project. He expressed confidence that the programme would improve the livelihoods of women, particularly those involved in agriculture, and pledged the support of the traditional institution.
Similarly, the National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA), Deacon Bulus Dabit, described the programme as a strategic investment in national development, emphasizing the critical role women play in community growth and economic progress.
At the Mangu Local Government Secretariat, Head of Operations Rayandy Kim Chuwang disclosed that 120 Ward Facilitators would be recruited and trained during the community entry phase to support the formation and monitoring of Women Affinity Groups. He added that the project is expected to reach approximately 30,000 women across participating communities.
Representing the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon. Bala Emmanuel Mantu, the Council Secretary, Dachahat Tongpan, commended the initiative and highlighted the vital contributions women continue to make in promoting family welfare and community development.
Religious leaders, including CAN Chairman Rev. Iliya Ayuba and JNI Chairman Idi Danladi, also pledged support for the programme and promised to mobilize members through their respective faith-based organizations.
In Mikang Local Government Area, stakeholders were briefed on the objectives of the programme by Community Institution Building Officer Musa Manmina and Gender/GBV Advisor Lucy Atang. They explained that the initiative would enhance women’s capacities and provide access to Community Investment Funds for income-generating activities.
Addressing concerns raised by participants regarding funding, participation, and programme implementation, Local Field Supervisor Nenpimwa Victor clarified that trained facilitators would oversee the activities of Women Affinity Groups to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective monitoring.
The RCC Chairman of COCIN Mikang, Rev. Hosea, and the District Head of Montol, Justice Koptel, welcomed the initiative and assured the project team of their commitment to mobilizing women for active participation.
At the palace of the Chairman of the Mikang Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Barr. D. D. Puntel, discussions focused on challenges such as digital literacy gaps among rural women and difficulties associated with mobilization during the farming season. Despite these concerns, the traditional ruler pledged the support of district heads in sensitizing communities and encouraging widespread participation.
The advocacy visits ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders across both local government areas to support the successful implementation of the NFWP-SU project, which is expected to enhance women’s economic resilience, strengthen community development, and promote inclusive growth across Plateau State.
