Two hundred and fifty (250) women from Panda/Kare Ward in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, have benefited from ₦2.5 million small-scale empowerment programme organised by Hon. Bawa Rabo, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on KAPDA to Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Each beneficiary received ₦10,000 as part of the initiative designed to strengthen women’s economic independence, support small-scale businesses, and promote sustainable grassroots development across the community.
The programme, held in Panda, brought together beneficiaries from various communities within the ward, aimed at improving household welfare through income-generating activities and business expansion.
The event attracted a wide range of political leaders, community stakeholders, traditional rulers, and supporters from across Nasarawa State, reflecting the significance of women-focused development initiatives in the region.
Among those present were Hon. Daniel Ogah Ogazi, Dr. Abraham Habu Ekpo, Hon. Christopher Bako Madaki, Chief. Bitrus Asawu, Hon. Moses Egbe, Hon. Samson Mutari, Hajiya. Hauwa Isyaku, and several other notable dignitaries.
Their attendance also demonstrated unity among stakeholders working towards strengthening grassroots communities through targeted interventions and collaborative governance.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Daniel Ogah Ogazi, representing Kokona West in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and APC candidate for the Kokona, Keffi, and Karu Federal Constituency, commended Hon. Bawa Rabo for his consistent commitment to grassroots empowerment.
He described the initiative as a clear demonstration of responsible leadership and urged other public office holders to emulate similar interventions that directly improve citizens’ livelihoods.
According to him, leadership must go beyond policy formulation to practical actions that positively impact the people.
He further stated that supporting vulnerable groups remains both a moral obligation and a civic responsibility of those in public service.
“Giving is a responsibility and an act of charity following an exemplary life of God when you have,” he said.
He urged notable figures in the society to remain generous and supportive of their communities, and also called on the gatherers to support and vote APC in the forthcoming general election.
As part of his contribution, Hon. Ogazi donated ₦500,000 to assist with transportation logistics for beneficiaries and announced plans for his empowerment phase targeting over 500 women across Karu LGA.
In his remarks, Hon. Bawa Rabo expressed appreciation to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their continued trust and support.
He affirmed his dedication to grassroots development, particularly through initiatives aimed at uplifting women and strengthening small-scale enterprises.
According to him, empowering women remains one of the most effective ways to build stronger families and more stable communities.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to invest wisely in their businesses, stressing the importance of sustainability and financial discipline in achieving long-term economic growth.
He noted that empowerment programmes under his leadership form part of a broader and continuous strategy to improve livelihoods across Karu LGA and beyond.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Karu Legislative Council, Hon. Christopher Bako Madaki, commended Hon. Bawa Rabo for the empowerment initiative, describing it as the first of its kind in Panda/Kare Electoral Ward. He noted that the programme would have a significant impact on beneficiaries and further strengthen community development across the area.
Similarly, the Special Adviser on Mining to the Karu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Moses Egbe, praised Hon. Bawa Rabo for the thoughtful gesture.
He described the empowerment programme as a blessing to the beneficiaries and the entire ward, noting that it would contribute to economic growth, progress, and improved living standards across the community.
In her address, the Karu LGA APC Women Leader, Hajiya. Hauwa Isyaku, urged the beneficiaries and residents to continue supporting the APC-led administration in order to attract more development projects to the area.
She emphasised that unity and consistent political support are key to sustaining empowerment initiatives and development programmes at the grassroots level.
“grassroots development remains our shared responsibility” she said.
She also commended Hon. Bawa Rabo for his commitment to women’s welfare, describing his interventions as impactful and worthy of encouragement.
The women who benefited from the support expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Bawa Rabo for the kind intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.
“The support had given us renewed hope and motivation to pursue economic independence” they said.
