Foundation to empower 20,000 women in Kano, seeks Minister Atah’s support

The Queen Juliet Endowment Foundation (QJEF) has unveiled plans to empower 20,000 women in Kano State, as part of its expanding national programme aimed at boosting women-led enterprises.

The Executive Director, Ambassador Queen Juliet Uju Obiageli, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Yusuf Atah, on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said the initiative would provide grants, skills-acquisition support, micro-enterprise starter packs, and mentorship under the government’s Renewed Hope framework.

According to a statement issued by the minister’s aide, Seyi Olorunsola, Ambassador Juliet explained that the visit formed part of the Foundation’s ongoing nationwide consultation and mobilization efforts ahead of its National Women Empowerment Tour scheduled for all geopolitical zones.

She noted that the Foundation’s mission aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on poverty alleviation, skills development, and inclusive economic advancement. She also highlighted the Foundation’s upcoming Annual Women Empowerment Programme in Kano, which represents the North West zone and is expected to be one of the largest events in the tour.

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Juliet informed the minister that the Kano edition would be organized in collaboration with Chief (Mrs.) Folasade Tinubu-Ojo (Iyaloja-General), whose support for women’s economic participation has helped shape the programme.

Ambassador Juliet stressed that Kano’s large population and role as a commercial hub make it well positioned to benefit from targeted empowerment efforts, particularly for women who play a vital role in the informal and small-scale enterprise sector.

She appealed for Atah’s partnership, noting the alignment between the Foundation’s objectives and the Ministry’s mandate to improve urban development and citizens’ quality of life.

In his response, Atah welcomed the delegation and commended Ambassador Juliet’s commitment to empowering Nigerians across the country. He said the Queen Juliet Endowment Foundation has shown “a commendable level of passion, structure, and consistency in its work,” which contributes to reducing poverty and expanding opportunities for women—an essential demographic for national development.

The minister praised the Foundation’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a “responsible and forward-thinking initiative” that complements government efforts to address unemployment, strengthen household incomes, and build community resilience. He assured the team of his personal support and that of the Ministry for the success of the Kano Women Empowerment Programme and future initiatives.

Atah added that sustainable empowerment programmes like those led by QJEF are vital for reducing urban poverty, improving housing stability, and promoting inclusive growth. He congratulated Ambassador Juliet for her leadership and encouraged her to continue expanding the Foundation’s reach nationwide.