Kogi State has taken another major step towards women empowerment and inclusive economic development with the inauguration of the State Technical Committee (STC) for the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU).
The committee was officially inaugurated following the recent constitution of the Multisectoral Structural Committee (MSC) approved by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to strengthen the implementation of the programme across the state.
The inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Kogi State Accountant General, Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijani, by the Director of Treasury, Dr. Ikusemoro Samuel, who described the committee as a critical structure that will drive the operational success of the women-focused intervention programme.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Samuel said Governor Ododo’s approval of the MSC demonstrated the administration’s commitment to creating a strong institutional foundation for the NFWP-SU project in Kogi State.
He explained that the State Technical Committee would play a central role in ensuring that the objectives of the programme are fully achieved, particularly in the areas of economic growth, grassroots development, and support for women across communities in the state.
According to him, “The responsibility before this committee is enormous. Members must remain proactive, focused, and committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the programme for the benefit of women and families across Kogi State.”
He added that strategic planning, proper coordination, and accountability would be necessary to ensure the project delivers measurable and lasting impact.
Also speaking at the event, the State Project Coordinator of NFWP-SU, Dr. Esther Ameadaji, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what she described as his consistent support for women-focused development initiatives in the state.
She said the governor had continued to create an enabling environment for women to thrive socially and economically through policies and programmes designed to improve livelihoods and opportunities.
Dr. Ameadaji explained that the NFWP-SU project is designed as a multi-sector intervention that cuts across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), making collaboration among stakeholders essential for the success of the programme.
“The structure allows different MDAs to contribute their technical expertise and institutional support towards achieving the goals of the project,” she said.
She further disclosed that the State Technical Committee would immediately begin work by reviewing annual work plans, preparing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and establishing regular monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track implementation progress.
Dr. Ameadaji also praised the Accountant General, Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijani, for what she described as her swift and effective leadership in facilitating the inauguration of the committee.
The committee is made up of senior officials from key ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Kogi ADP.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Chairperson of the State Technical Committee and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hajia Raji Bilikisu Omeneke, assured stakeholders that the committee was fully prepared to deliver on its mandate.
She said members of the committee were aligned with the objectives of the NFWP-SU and would work with transparency, collaboration, and dedication to ensure the programme achieves meaningful results for women in Kogi State.