“SON Joins Forces with Niger State to Elevate Women’s Empowerment Initiatives”

Minna, Niger state The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has announced a new collaboration with the office of the First Lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago, aimed at fostering economic inclusion, enterprise development, and community resilience within the state.

The announcement was made during a courtesy visit to Her Excellency by SON’s Director General, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, represented by the Niger State Office 1, Minna Coordinator, Mrs. Hauwa Nuhu Yusufu. The visit, which took place in Minna, sought to convey goodwill, express condolences over recent security challenges in the state, and explore avenues for joint efforts in advancing women’s empowerment initiatives championed by the First Lady.

Highlighting SON’s mandate to support local industries, Mrs. Yusufu outlined the organisation’s ongoing Entrepreneurship Support Programme, which has seen over 300 products certified under the MANCAP and PIS schemes, opening doors to both local and international markets. She encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opportunities, underscoring the importance of standardisation in sustaining both developmental and humanitarian projects.

“Standardisation is key to ensuring that regulatory activities thrive, which in turn, will help to sustain the impact of the First Lady’s empowerment programmes,” Mrs. Yusufu remarked.

The SON delegation also presented a Letter of Appreciation to the First Lady for her attendance at the recent official opening of the SON Niger State Office, alongside copies of the SON Act 2015 and other organisational publications.

In her response, Hajiya Fatima Mohammed Bago expressed gratitude for the visit and praised SON’s efforts in improving its operations within the state. She reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with the organisation to enhance the livelihoods of women and local communities through sustained collaboration.

The delegation was warmly received by Her Excellency, alongside several senior state officials, including the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, and the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ladidi Bawa Bosso.

This partnership promises to further strengthen the state’s efforts to empower women, improve local businesses, and boost economic resilience.