Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, delivered a goodwill message at the “She’s Included Gender Inclusion Conference”, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The event, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Economic and Financial Inclusion”, was chaired by the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.
In his address, the Governor emphasized that the theme of the conference aligns with the collective commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive Nigeria. He stressed that breaking barriers requires courage, resilience, and collective action, as well as the dismantling of systemic, structural, and social obstacles that hinder women’s and girls’ full participation in economic and financial life.
Highlighting Kaduna State’s efforts in promoting gender inclusion, Governor Sani outlined several innovative policies designed to empower women economically. Among them are:
• Kaduna State Women Economic Empowerment Policy
• Women, Peace and Security Action Plan
• Youth, Peace and Security Action Plan
Other legal and policy instruments guiding the state’s efforts include the Kaduna State Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Policy, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (2018), the Gender Affirmative Procurement Policy (2024), the Social Protection Policy (2020), the Child Welfare and Protection Law (2018), and the Disability Law (2023).
Governor Sani emphasized that the Kaduna State Women Economic Empowerment Policy is not merely a document but a commitment to investing in the potential of women and youth by providing them with resources, skills, and opportunities for success. He reiterated that economic empowerment of women is crucial for sustainable development, particularly through entrepreneurship, access to education, and financial inclusion.
He also highlighted Kaduna State’s ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic and financial viability of women, including:
• Equipping women and girls with ICT skills
• Supporting women-run businesses with grants
• Targeting women in the distribution of agricultural inputs
• Training women in modern agricultural techniques
• Prioritizing women in the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme
• Facilitating the opening of bank accounts for women to enable them to benefit from state and federal social intervention programs
He further disclosed that the 2025 Kaduna State Budget has allocated ₦5 billion for the Women Economic Empowerment Fund, underscoring the government’s strong commitment to gender inclusion.
Governor Sani asserted that women’s empowerment is not just a moral obligation but an economic necessity. He noted that targeted financial support for women is essential for poverty reduction, as women play a key role in the agricultural sector and small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
Several speakers at the conference commended Kaduna State’s leadership in financial inclusion, particularly for being the first state to sign an Executive Order on Financial Inclusion. Under this initiative, the government has facilitated the opening of over 2 million bank accounts for poor, vulnerable, and underserved persons, with a large percentage belonging to women.
Governor Sani reaffirmed Kaduna State’s unwavering commitment to empowering women, stressing that investing in women translates to investing in the future of communities, the economy, and the nation as a whole.
“A nation’s strength lies in the unity of its people, and women play a central role in this unity.” — Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR
“Empower a woman financially, and you empower generations. Women are the backbone of families, the strength of communities, and the key to a nation’s prosperity.” — Dr. G. A. Fraser MFR
“True progress begins when women are given equal opportunities to lead, earn, and innovate. A society that uplifts its women secures its future.” — Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR
Famous Quotes from Global Leaders on the importance of Empowerment and Financial inclusion of Women in the Nation
“I believe that if we empower women, we empower society. A strong society is built on the strength of its women.” — Bola Tinubu
“We cannot build Nigeria or Africa we envision without fully integrating women into our economic systems. Women are not just participants in our economy; they are leaders, innovators, and the bedrock of sustainable development.” — Kashim Shettima
“I think that, in the end, women are better than men. I think women have a much better sense of right and wrong.” — Donald Trump
“When we invest in women and girls, we are investing in the people who invest in everyone else.” — Melinda Gates
“When we invest in women and girls, we are investing in the people who invest in everyone else.” — Melinda Gates
“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.” — Diane Mariechild
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” — Oprah Winfrey
“I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal, and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights.” — Queen Elizabeth II
“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” — Margaret Thatcher
“When women succeed, America succeeds.” — Joe Biden
“I truly believe that collaboration is the key to creating something better, and that is something that will help us to move forward.” — Kate Middleton
“I believe passionately that the world’s problems can be solved through the combined efforts of all of us, working together.” — King Charles III
“We all have a role to play in building a better world for future generations.” — Prince William
“We need to give women the same opportunities, the same rights, and the same resources to succeed.” — Emmanuel Macron
“We must ensure that women have the opportunities, resources, and support they need to thrive in every aspect of society.” — Muhammadu Buhari
“When you educate a woman, you educate a nation.” — Aisha Buhari
“The future of Africa depends on the empowerment of women.” — Mobutu Sese Seko
“When women are empowered, nations are transformed.” — Nana Akufo-Addo
“The test of a true democracy is the respect given to women and the opportunities they have to lead and contribute.” — Jerry John Rawlings
