The Katsina State government has officially launched a Community Investment Fund worth N8 billion aimed at empowering over 40,000 women through the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project. The initiative was inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a flag-off ceremony held in Katsina on Sunday.

Vice President Shettima emphasized that the program is designed not just to provide financial assistance but to enhance women's economic capabilities, improve household incomes, and foster financial inclusion at the grassroots level. He noted that the beneficiaries have shown commendable discipline through their savings and group activities, which are critical for the program's success.

"The Community Investment Fund addresses the question of capability investment. Over 40,000 women in Katsina State stand to receive business capital after fulfilling the eligibility criteria and demonstrating satisfactory performance in their savings and group activities," Shettima stated.

He further highlighted that the effectiveness of the program should not only be measured by the number of women receiving funds but also by its impact on strengthening businesses, increasing household earnings, creating jobs, and enhancing women's resilience against economic challenges. Shettima underscored the importance of linking finance with training, financial literacy, and productive resources to ensure sustainable business management by the beneficiaries.

The Vice President urged participants to maintain the discipline that qualified them for the program, stressing the importance of proper record-keeping, prudent spending, and trust within their groups. He also called for transparency in the fund's administration, insisting that access should be determined solely by eligibility rather than political influence.

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda disclosed that the state government has committed over N4 billion to the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project, with an additional N4 billion approved to broaden its reach. He explained that Katsina is matching every dollar provided by the World Bank for this initiative, which aims to bolster women's livelihoods and promote inclusive economic development.

"So far, Katsina State has contributed over four billion Naira for this project, and last month, the Executive Council approved another four billion," Radda said. He mentioned that the program initially targeted Katsina, Funtua, and Daura local government areas but has now expanded to include six additional local governments, with plans to cover all 34 local government areas in the state.

Radda clarified that the flag-off ceremony marks the beginning of the disbursement process and reassured Women Affinity Groups not included in the initial rollout that they will be considered as they meet the program's requirements. He noted that the intervention aims to provide women with access to finance, collective savings, business support, and productive economic activities that can enhance household welfare.

Additionally, the governor highlighted the participation of women with hearing impairments who have formed their own Women Affinity Group, showcasing the program's inclusivity. He appealed to the World Bank and other development partners for further financial and technical support to expand the program throughout the state, acknowledging the high demand for such interventions, particularly among women in underserved communities.

For the beneficiaries, this initiative represents more than just access to capital; it is a pathway to transforming small-scale enterprises into sustainable businesses, improving household incomes, and creating economic opportunities within their communities.