The Women Action and Support Initiative (WASI), popularly known as WASI Foundation, has announced the commencement of its activities in Katsina State and across Nigeria.
The Foundation was established by Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf Sulaiman, an indigene of Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, who also serves as its National Coordinator. It received approval to commence its activities from the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on July 15, 2026, under the leadership of the Registrar-General, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Katsina on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Bilkisu Yusuf said the Foundation was established in response to the challenges faced by women, young people and rural communities, particularly in areas affected by security challenges. She said the CAC approval has created an opportunity for the Foundation to expand its activities and implement programmes that will benefit communities. “Now is the time to expand the Foundation’s activities to different parts of Katsina State and Nigeria as a whole,” she said.
She explained that, according to the Foundation’s constitution, its objectives include engaging young people through sports, arts and creative programmes, as well as supporting innovation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-focused initiatives. The Foundation also plans to conduct public health education campaigns on hygiene, nutrition, maternal care and disease prevention, while providing literacy programmes for communities with limited access to education.
Bilkisu added that the Foundation would focus on establishing community libraries, organising book drives, providing scholarships and mentorship for talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, and conducting civic education and leadership training. She said it would also provide vocational and entrepreneurship training for women and young people, promote women’s financial literacy, leadership and inclusion, and support food security through sustainable agriculture and improved access to markets.
Some of the stakeholders who attended the meeting, including Umma Rabi’u Bara, Zainab Dahiru, Hajiya Suwaiba, Zulaihat Lawal and Aisha Garba, expressed their happiness over the Foundation’s progress and its plans to expand its activities. They said programmes focused on education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment, vocational skills and community development were particularly important for communities that require additional support.
They further expressed hope that WASI Foundation would use the opportunity to implement meaningful programmes and work closely with communities and other stakeholders to ensure that its support and initiatives reach those who need them most. They congratulated the Foundation’s leadership and expressed confidence that it would achieve its objectives in Katsina State and other parts of Nigeria.