IWD: Groups empower FCT women with tools, cash for businesses
By Aderogba George/Esther Mamudu
Olean Care Aid Foundation (OCAF), an NGO, has donated cash, sewing machines, grinding machines, frying pans and other entrepreneurial equipment to no fewer than 300 women in the FCT.
The donation was done to commemorate 2024 International Women’s Day(IWD), marked on March 8.
The beneficiaries were selected from Garki village, Airport road and Mararaba axis of the FCT.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was done in collaboration with Assured Charity International Organisation (ACIO) and Isioma Akamagwuna Foundation (IAF).
Mrs Oge Ezenyimulu-Nwagu, Founder and CEO of OCAF, said the donation was done to support the women expand their businesses.
“This is something I have personally been doing for a long time from the profits we make from our business, unfortunately, it has never been enough.
“So, we decided to open an NGO so that we can get more people to support and be able to reach out to so many people that we can reach out to.
“It is also important that we invest in women as it is a sure way to promote economic growth.
“It gives me joy to see people smile; seeing that they have something to do to fend for themselves.
“This is because I have always believed that when you empower one woman you have empowered the household and the nation at large,” she said.
She also called on other well-meaning Nigerians to come out to support more women in establishing a business for themselves.
More so, Mrs Isioma Akamagwuna, Founder, (IAF), urged the women to diligently make use of the equipment given to them.
“Putting these resources together and donating it to the women is our own way of contributing to the human development of our country.
“Women are not catered for as they should. It is a worrisome situation.
“It is not that the money or the fund is there, but just something we just put together as friends and family.
“And we thought it wise to assist them because when you empower a woman, you empower the family.’’
She advised the government to create more inclusion for women in the society as their impact remained invaluable.
“I ask that the government carry women along in whatever they are doing in the society because a woman can carry responsibilities and bring solutions,” she said.
On her part, Mrs Uche Onwagbufor, Anchor, Culture and Creative Arts, FCT UBEB, called on the Federal Government to run a more inclusive government where women will be given more leadership positions.
Mrs Anjor Obande, National Programme Manager, National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA), encouraged women to apply diligence to their handiwork as it is always rewarding.
“My women, anything you find to do with your hand, do it with pride; anything you do, God will multiply it.
“God created us to bless the work of our hands; so, stay diligent in what you do.’’
She promised to support the women in any way she could.
“I am going to do my best to see how I can support you; I thank God for this one that we have now; please let us be grateful for what we have now and more will come by the grace of God,’’ she said.
Janet Luka, a beneficiary, thanked groups for collaborating to assist women and called on others to also help women.
“I thank these groups for coming together to help women; it is a very good thing and I am happy that every woman here will go home with something.
“If you have it in your heart to help women like us, please, come to our aid; we have really been suffering,’’ she said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
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