Kano — The Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has said that poverty can only be eradicated when women are empowered.

Presenting a paper at a summit on entrepreneurship organized by the Kano State government, he said if a society allows its women to remain dependant, it will never eradicate poverty.

Sanusi said it is only through women empowerment that children can get the desired education and sustainable health. He maintained that the poverty in North- west and North-east was due to the fact that half of their population is unproductive.

"Even during the 17th and 18th century, women in these areas were very productive, carrying out their businesses within the confines of their homes", he said.

He urged the Kano State government to include more women in its skills acquisition programme so that they can be empowered.