MD NEMA’s Foundation Launches Widow Empowerment Programme for 1,500 Beneficiaries in Kebbi

By Umar Faruk

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria — November 23, 2025(Series news online) - A major boost has arrived for widows and youth in Kebbi State as philanthropist and humanitarian advocate Hajiya Zubaida Umar Dangiwa, Managing Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), launched a wide‑reaching empowerment programme aimed at improving livelihoods, economic independence and self‑reliance among widows and vulnerable groups.

The nine‑day training ran from Friday, November 14  to 22 November 2025 at Government Secondary School Junju, Birnin‑Kebbi, drawing a large crowd of beneficiaries, community leaders and scholars. The initiative featured skills development in household businesses, vocational trades and small‑scale business management.

  Speaking at the ceremony, Zubaida Waziri, Chief Executive Officer of Zubaida Umar Dangiwa Charity Organisation (ZUDCO), said the programme was designed to “uplift hardworking widows that need assistance to change their lives.” She added:

“Empowerment is not just about giving tools. It’s about giving people the confidence, skills, and opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their families.”

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, noting the programme came at a time of increasing economic hardship. Malama Suwaiba Attahiru, one of the recipients of start‑up cash, said the support would help her start a liquid‑soap, air‑freshener and locally homemade spaghetti business from home.

 “This will change my life. I now have the means to earn income and support my children,” she said.

In his remarks, the traditional ruler and Waziri of Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Waziri, praised Dangiwa’s commitment to the development of widows’ livelihoods, describing the effort as a model for private‑driven social intervention in the state. He called on other well‑meaning individuals to emulate her gesture.

“Her work sets a standard for how private citizens can drive social change,” he noted.

The empowerment initiative is expected to continue in phases across various local government areas in the state, targeting widows, out‑of‑school girls and small‑business starters. Zubaida Waziri reiterated that follow‑up and monitoring will be carried out to ensure beneficiaries make effective use of the start‑up cash.