By Maureen Agbala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Chukwukadibia Okoye has described women as central to development and societal progress, stressing that empowering women remains critical to sustainable growth and transformation.
Mr. Okoye said this during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU) team to his office.
Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner expressed strong support for women empowerment initiatives, noting that improving the welfare and economic capacity of women aligns with the broader development priorities of the Anambra State Government.
According to him, women remain a major driving force for economic growth, social stability and community transformation.
He assured the delegation that the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning would provide the necessary support to ensure the successful implementation of the programme in the state.
Mr. Okoye noted that the World Bank supported programme is a loan facility that would eventually be repaid by the state government, stressing the need for accountability, transparency and measurable impact in its execution.
Earlier in her remarks, the State Coordinator of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up, Mrs. Hope Okoye said the initiative was designed to deliver measurable value to the people of Anambra State.
She explained that the programme supports the development vision of the present administration, particularly in the areas of women empowerment, poverty reduction, economic inclusion and improved livelihoods.
Mrs. Okoye stressed the importance of aligning the programme with the state’s broader development agenda to ensure sustainability and maximum impact.
She added that the initiative also aligns with one of the five strategic pillars of the current administration, especially the human capital and social intervention component.
The State Coordinato emphasised the need for proper coordination and effective implementation mechanisms to guarantee the success of the programme across benefiting communities.
The Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up is expected to strengthen women’s economic capacity through cooperative structures, revolving loans, skills acquisition, financial inclusion and market linkages aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable development across the state.
Agbala is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
