A Voice for Women: How Jigawa’s First Lady is Advancing Economic Independence and Social Inclusion

In Jigawa State, the name Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi, the First Lady, has come to represent compassionate leadership anchored on purposeful advocacy for women’s development and inclusion.

Through well-structured interventions spanning economic empowerment, healthcare awareness, education and social welfare, she has emerged as a leading voice for women’s economic independence and social relevance. Her initiatives demonstrate a clear understanding of the challenges facing women and a strong commitment to dismantling barriers that limit their full participation in society.

At the core of her advocacy is economic empowerment, which she regards as the most sustainable route to poverty reduction and family stability. Over the years, Hajiya Amina Namadi has facilitated the disbursement of financial grants—sometimes up to ₦50,000 per beneficiary—to thousands of women across the state.

These funds have enabled beneficiaries to start or expand small-scale enterprises.
Administered through government channels and personal outreach efforts, the grants have supported petty traders, artisans and home-based entrepreneurs, helping them achieve self-reliance while contributing meaningfully to Jigawa State’s economy.

Beyond financial assistance, the First Lady has placed strong emphasis on capacity building and skills acquisition. She has sponsored and organized training programmes in tailoring, catering, shoemaking, digital technology and other vocational skills essential for success in today’s evolving economy.

Notably, her facilitation of NAFDAC certification workshops has empowered women-led businesses to meet regulatory standards, opening access to wider markets and promoting long-term sustainability.

These initiatives have strengthened women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and improved their competitiveness.

Healthcare advocacy is another major pillar of her work, particularly in cancer awareness and prevention. Hajiya Amina Namadi has led breast cancer awareness campaigns, highlighting the importance of early detection, regular screening and prompt treatment.

Through partnerships with health institutions, non-governmental organizations and support from her foundation, she has helped indigent women access screening services and medical care, improving health outcomes and saving lives.

Education, especially for girls and young women, remains central to her agenda. The First Lady continues to promote female education as a long-term investment in human capital development. She has provided encouragement and material support to girls pursuing formal education, while also advocating vocational and technical training as alternative pathways to empowerment.

According to her, educating women is not only a moral responsibility but a strategic imperative for sustainable development.

Her approach is deliberately inclusive, extending support to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. Through the Hamdan Kasiran OVC & Women Assistance Foundation, she has implemented targeted programmes for widows, orphans and marginalized women, ensuring that empowerment initiatives reach those who need them most.

Her efforts also align with national frameworks such as the Renewed Hope Initiative, enabling women in Jigawa State to benefit from broader federal empowerment programmes.

Overall, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi’s vision is clear: to build a Jigawa society where women are economically independent, healthy, educated and confident—fully equipped to contribute to family welfare and state development.

By moving women beyond dependence and equipping them with skills, capital and opportunities, the First Lady continues to redefine women’s roles in Jigawa State, advancing progress one empowerment programme at a time.