NEWS
Abia State Expands World Bank-Supported Nigeria for Women Programme to Six More LGAs
The Abia State Government has announced the release of the Project Implementation Report on the Nigeria for Women Programme (NFWP), a World Bank-assisted initiative designed to improve the livelihoods and economic empowerment of women across the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia, on Monday, August 3, 2026, following the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu explained that after the successful implementation of the pilot phase of the programme, Abia State officially joined the scale-up phase in November 2025. He noted that Governor Alex Otti demonstrated the administration’s commitment to women’s empowerment by approving and paying the state’s ₦450 million counterpart fund required for participation in the expanded phase of the project.
According to him, the expansion has significantly widened the programme’s reach beyond the initial pilot local government areas of Ohafia, Isiala Ngwa North and Obingwa.
He revealed that the initiative now covers six additional local government areas—Isiala Ngwa South, Ugwunagbo, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano and Ukwa West—thereby extending the benefits of the World Bank-supported programme to more women across the state.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that the number of women’s affinity groups established under the programme has doubled from 3,000 to 6,000, reflecting the rapid growth and acceptance of the initiative among women in Abia communities.
The Commissioner encouraged women in all the participating local government areas to actively engage with the Programme Implementation Unit and take full advantage of the opportunities provided through the initiative, stressing that increased participation would further enhance women’s livelihoods, promote economic inclusion and strengthen community development across the state.
The Nigeria for Women Programme is one of the strategic interventions aimed at empowering women through improved access to economic opportunities, financial inclusion, group-based support systems and sustainable livelihood initiatives, with Abia State continuing to deepen its commitment to inclusive development through effective collaboration with development partners.