Enugu Government Signs Landmark Loan Deal to Boost Women’s Empowerment

The Enugu State Government has taken a decisive step toward advancing gender equality and economic inclusion by signing a Subsidiary Loan Agreement for the Nigeria for Women Project, a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of women across the state.

The agreement, signed under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, was facilitated through the Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development. It is expected to pave the way for large-scale empowerment programmes targeting women-led enterprises, capacity building, and improved access to financial services.

In a statement released by the government, the signing was described as a “pivotal milestone” that underscores the administration’s strong commitment to inclusive development and the socio-economic advancement of women.

The Nigeria for Women Project is designed to drive financial inclusion, enhance food security, promote export and industrialisation, and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable households by supporting women with resources and training.

Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Ngozi Enih, speaking at the close of the 2025 Nigeria for Women Project mission, said the administration’s dedication to women’s empowerment is both strategic and heartfelt.

“Our women are the bedrock of our society and economy,” she said. “By signing this agreement and remitting the required counterpart funding, we are demonstrating our commitment to unlocking the full potential of Enugu women. This initiative is more than a project, it is a promise to equip women with the tools they need to succeed.”

The project will kick off with the formation of Women Affinity Groups, followed by grant disbursements, financial literacy training, and entrepreneurship development programmes.

State Project Coordinator Blessing Ogbonna lauded Governor Mbah’s “visionary leadership,” describing the move as a “new dawn for women in Enugu State.”

“We are immensely grateful to His Excellency for this timely intervention. This initiative promises to reshape the economic landscape for women in the state,” Ogbonna said, urging all stakeholders to seize the opportunity for sustainable growth and development.

With the formalities now in place, full-scale implementation of the Nigeria for Women Project is set to begin, marking a significant leap forward in the state’s quest for gender-inclusive economic transformation.