Katsina Women of Influence and Investment Summit 2026

I warmly welcome you all.

Today is not just another gathering, it is a declaration. A declaration that Katsina State fully grasps the moment we are in, the opportunities before us, and our shared responsibility to build a future that leaves no one behind.

The theme of this summit “Where Influence Meets Investment” is both timely and intentional. Influence without investment is inspiration without impact. Investment without influence is capital without conscience. But when the two converge, nations rise, economies grow, and societies become more equitable and resilient.

Let me be unequivocal: the progress of Katsina State is inseparable from the advancement of its women. Any society that marginalizes its women limits its own potential. Any economy that excludes women undermines its productivity. And any leadership that fails to empower women forfeits innovation, stability, and sustainable growth.

History both global and local has shown that women are not merely participants in development; they are its most powerful catalysts. They drive enterprise, sustain families, strengthen communities, and shape future generations. Yet too often, their influence has not been matched with equitable access to capital, to markets, to opportunity, or to decision-making spaces.

Today, we move beyond acknowledgment to action. Beyond conversation to commitment. Beyond good intentions to tangible investment.

Our administration views the empowerment of women not as an act of charity, but as a matter of sound economic policy and effective governance. When women thrive, households prosper. When women build businesses, jobs multiply. When women lead, communities become more inclusive, stable, and forward-looking.

That is why we remain steadfast in creating an enabling environment one where women can raise because of policy, not in spite of it. An environment where women-led enterprises can access finance without barriers, operate without undue constraints, and scale with confidence. A Katsina where young women are equipped with relevant skills, inspired to dream boldly, and prepared to lead with competence and courage.

To our financial institutions, investors, and development partners: your role is indispensable. Capital must be intentional. Investment must be inclusive. We urge you to design financial products, funding mechanisms, and support systems that reflect the realities faced by women entrepreneurs particularly those at the grassroots and small-business levels.

To our women leaders and entrepreneurs: your voice, vision, and values matter. Now is the time to translate influence into structure, sustainability, and scale. Move from survival to strategy. From hustle to institution-building. From visibility to measurable value creation.

And to the young women watching in classrooms, communities, and startups I speak directly to you: your future is not on hold. You do not need permission to prepare, or validation to lead. This summit affirms that your dreams have a home in Katsina and your potential has a clear pathway to fulfillment.

Ladies and gentlemen, transformation occurs precisely where influence meets investment. That is the Katsina we are building: a state where opportunity is broadened, talent is nurtured, and prosperity is shared.

As you engage in today’s panels, master-classes, and networking sessions, I challenge each of you to leave not only inspired but committed. Leave with at least one concrete action you will take to empower a woman, support a woman-led business, or open a door that has long remained shut.

History will not judge us by our speeches, but by the systems we built, the lives we uplifted, and the courage we showed when it mattered most.

May this summit mark the beginning of a new chapter for Katsina, for our women, and for our collective future where ideas become investments, influence becomes impact, and our state emerges as a model of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

Thank you for your belief.

Thank you for your partnership.

And thank you for walking this journey with us.

God bless you all, and God bless Katsina State.