Soludo’s Women Empowerment Drive Hits Njikoka as SSG Targets 240,000 Beneficiaries Across Anambra

By Ukpa Ewa

The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to boost women’s economic empowerment, with Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, urging women in Njikoka Local Government Area to enrol in the Anambra State Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (AN-NFWP-SU) and unlock opportunities for business growth, financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.

Mrs. Nnake made the appeal during an advocacy and sensitisation meeting on the World Bank-assisted programme held at the Njikoka Local Government Secretariat on July 28.

She described the initiative as a game-changing intervention designed to help women build stronger businesses through savings, access to finance, market linkages and enterprise development.

According to the SSG, Anambra formally joined the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project in 2026 after Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo approved its implementation in six pilot local government areas—Awka South, Aguata, Ayamelum, Ihiala, Njikoka and Ogbaru.

She disclosed that the state aims to empower at least 240,000 women, with the programme eventually covering communities across Anambra’s three senatorial districts.

“I have no personal interest in this programme except to see women succeed. This is a rare opportunity that every eligible woman should embrace. Every woman in Njikoka aged 18 years and above should join a Women Affinity Group unless she chooses otherwise,” Mrs. Nnake said.

She explained that ward facilitators would be engaged to support participants and urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the programme to ensure its long-term success.

Mrs. Nnake commended the State Project Coordinating Unit for driving the initiative and thanked Governor Soludo for extending the programme to Njikoka. She also wished the governor a happy birthday.

Speaking at the event, the member representing Njikoka I Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidiebele Ibemeka, described the programme as a grassroots economic intervention capable of transforming households across the state.

“This initiative will promote savings, revolving loans and business development while encouraging self-reliance. Women and youths should mobilise others to register their Women Affinity Groups and maximise the opportunities available,” he said.

The Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area, Barr. Chinedu Ononiba, praised Governor Soludo for bringing the World Bank-supported programme to the council area.

He assured the State Project Coordinating Unit of the council’s full cooperation, expressing confidence that Njikoka women would emerge among the programme’s top-performing beneficiaries.

Traditional rulers also endorsed the initiative.

The Traditional Ruler of Abba, HRM Igwe Leonard Ezeh, said empowering women remains one of the fastest ways to drive sustainable community development.

Representing the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, Mr. Nnamdi Onuzulike described the project as the first World Bank-assisted intervention of its kind to reach the community, urging women to organise themselves into Women Affinity Groups to maximise the benefits.

The Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Anthonia Okie, pledged the council’s support to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.

Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, Ms. Hope Okoye, said the advocacy visit was aimed at mobilising traditional rulers, community leaders and women to actively participate in the project.

She explained that beneficiaries would receive support through savings groups, improved access to financial services, business advisory services, market linkages and partnerships with relevant government agencies.

Okoye added that women without National Identification Numbers (NIN) or bank accounts would be assisted to obtain them, ensuring that no eligible participant is left behind.

Also speaking, the State Livelihood Advisor, Dr. Ekenne Adokwe, said beneficiaries would operate in groups of 25 members to access programme benefits.

He called on community leaders to mobilise eligible women and ensure widespread participation.

The advocacy meeting attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youths and other stakeholders.

Participants were equally sensitised on gender-based violence, the programme’s zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, sexual exploitation and abuse, and its “Do No Harm” principle.

Keywords: Anambra women empowerment, AN-NFWP-SU, Nigeria for Women Programme, Governor Soludo, Chiamaka Nnake, Njikoka news, World Bank project, Women Affinity Groups, financial inclusion, women entrepreneurs, Anambra development.