By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has approved N230.62 million for the purchase of shares in Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals for 43,928 vulnerable women across the state's 17 local government areas.
The initiative, designed to promote economic empowerment and financial inclusion, is part of the state government's recovery programme aimed at strengthening the economic resilience of vulnerable households affected by insurgency.
The approval followed engagements initiated by the state government, led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Mohammed Goje, with the Aliko Dangote Foundation during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.
Under the proposed partnership, the Yobe State Government will finance 10 shares for each of the 43,928 women, while the Aliko Dangote Foundation will provide an equivalent matching grant to enable each beneficiary to own 20 shares.
The combined investment is valued at approximately N461.24 million, subject to applicable initial public offering (IPO) conditions and successful allotment.
According to a statement issued by the Director-General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, the shares will be registered in the individual names of the beneficiaries, with each woman's shares credited to her Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) account.
The programme will prioritise women from internally displaced households, widows with multiple dependants, women with disabilities and those living in extreme poverty.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr Goje said the partnership represented a shift from conventional financial assistance towards long-term asset ownership and financial independence for vulnerable women.
He explained that what began as a high-level discussion during UNGA 2026 had progressed into a formal partnership proposal with the potential to benefit tens of thousands of women across the state.
Goje added that the initiative aligned with Governor Buni's development agenda of promoting inclusive economic growth, supporting vulnerable households and creating sustainable opportunities for communities recovering from the effects of insurgency.
He noted that the programme would empower women not merely as beneficiaries of government assistance but as potential owners of financial assets, providing them with an opportunity to participate in investment and build long-term economic security.
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