The wife of Jigawa State Governor, Ambassador Dr Amina Umar Namadi, has launched an economic empowerment programme for widows in Garki Local Government Area by distributing sewing machines and grinding machines. The initiative, which took place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Garki Local Government Secretariat, was commissioned on behalf of the Jigawa State Government.
Empowerment Programme Targets Grassroots Economic Independence
Dr Namadi, widely known as "Uwar Marayu" (Mother of Orphans), described the intervention as both timely and impactful. She argued that providing widows with practical tools and skills would generate wider benefits for families and communities across the state. "Empowering our mothers, especially widows, is empowering the future of our children and society," she said at the event.
The statement confirming the launch was issued on Friday, August 28, 2026, and made available to Legit.ng. The First Lady also commended the Executive Chairman of Garki LGA, Hon. Adamu Hudu Kore, for aligning the council's activities with the state government's empowerment agenda.
Selection Process Ensures Fairness Across All Wards
Hon. Kore, who holds the traditional title Jarman Garki, explained that the programme was designed to offer widows a sustainable path out of economic hardship at the grassroots level. Beneficiaries were drawn from each ward within the local government to guarantee fairness and broad coverage, he added.
The chairman stated that the exercise was guided by both the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Jigawa State Government's 12-Point Agenda on women and vulnerable groups, which prioritise support for marginalised communities across the state. Beneficiaries at the event expressed gratitude to both the state and local governments, pledging to put the equipment to use in supporting their households.
Related Government Actions in Jigawa State
In a separate development, the Jigawa State Executive Council approved a ₦3.5 billion loan for the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to cover 2027 Hajj deposits. The loan covers 466 intending pilgrims from Jigawa and is tied to a deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. The council also approved a ₦277 million contract to renovate the Reformatory School in Kafin Hausa at the same meeting.
The empowerment programme in Garki LGA is part of broader state efforts to support vulnerable groups, with the distribution of equipment expected to enable widows to generate income and improve their household livelihoods.
