In a major step toward boosting women’s empowerment and inclusive development, the Kogi State Government has inaugurated the State Technical Committee (STC) for the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up (NFWP-SU). The inauguration ceremony was held on May 2, 2025, at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MWASD) Conference Hall in Lokoja.
The Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatimah Momoh, who also serves as Chairperson of the Nigeria for Women Project Muti-sectoral Coordinating Structure (NFWP MCS), officially inaugurated the committee. She noted that the NFWP-SU is a collaborative initiative between the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria aimed at improving women’s livelihoods and addressing systemic barriers to their prosperity.
In her address, Hajiya Momoh acknowledged the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, under whose direction Kogi State emerged as one of the implementing states. She affirmed that the state had fully met its counterpart funding requirements, including the provision of office accommodation, administrative support, and other critical infrastructure necessary for project success.
The Commissioner outlined the responsibilities of the committee, which include aligning project activities with state development priorities—particularly in the areas of gender and agriculture—reviewing and approving annual work and budget plans, overseeing the utilization of project funds, and ensuring timely implementation of actions agreed upon with the Muti-sectoral Coordinating Structure and the World Bank.
Members of the State Technical Committee include the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mr. Itodo Yusuf Danjuma, who serves as Chairman; the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Esther Ameadaji, who serves as Secretary; and representatives from key ministries and institutions including Mr. Mechoro S. Yakubu, Director of Women Development (MWASD); Ms. Ocheja Sarah Echa, Director of Budget (Ministry of Finance); CSP Aishat Abdulrahman of the Kogi State Police Command; Mr. Amayi A. Michael, Director of Small and Medium Enterprises (Ministry of Commerce and Industry); Ms. Ojo Janet, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Development Project; and Ms. Eseyin F. Mary, Director from the Ministry of Agriculture.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Itodo Yusuf Danjuma, thanked the Hon. Commissioner for the confidence reposed in them and pledged the committee’s commitment to the effective and impactful implementation of the project across the state.
The State Project Coordinator, Dr. Esther Ameadaji, also gave a concise overview of the project’s objectives and its anticipated long-term impact on poverty alleviation and women’s economic empowerment.
The inauguration of the State Technical Committee marks a critical milestone in the roll-out of the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up in Kogi State, symbolizing a strong institutional framework and political will to ensure that no woman is left behind in the journey toward economic empowerment and social progress.
