September 13, 2024

NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

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Breaking News

1 Chinese ambassador pledges to actualise outcomes of Tinubu’s China visit

2 UNICEF seeks support to eradicate NTDs in Nigeria

3 FCTA provides free medical services to 3,370 residents

4 AREAi empowers 400 girls with digital skills

5 Weights and Measures: FG commits to curbing shortchanging customers

General News

NG-CARES improves 9m beneficiaries’ livelihood in Nigeria

 

By Rita Iliya
Mrs Elizabeth Egharevba, Chairman, Federal CARES Technical Committee, says the committee has  disbursed 645 million dollars (about N1.062 trillion) to states for the implementation of NG-CARES in the country.

She said this at the Zonal Peer Learning and Experience Sharing summit of Nigerian Communication for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) in Minna on Monday.

Egharevba, represented by Dr Abdulkarim Obaje, National Coordinator of NG-CARES, also said that 750 million dollars (about N1.2 trillion) was earmarked to implement the programme from 2021 to 2024 across the country.

“NG-CARES is a World Bank Assisted project, the funds were disbursed under three results programme components for states, including FCT.

“The result areas are social safeness, livelihoods grant and basic services support to poor and vulnerable communities.

“Other areas are support increase food production and enhancing food supply chains, mitigating food loss through food processing and Nano micro-small enterprises,” she said.

She said the programme had 150 delivery platforms across the country and had impacted on more than nine million people, adding that NG-CARES had been adjudged as most successful among other programmes.

She lauded states for ejecting N120 billion into NG-CARES.

Egharevba said that the summit brought stakeholders across regions to share experiences, best practices and insights that would help drive progress on shared objectives.

In his address, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, noted that Niger re-invested the earnings from the last Independent Verification Agents (IVA) on social security in the current cycle to demonstrate the importance of NG-CARES.

Bago, represented by his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, said that the summit was a platform to engage in insightful discussion, exchange best practices and explore innovative solutions.

In his opening remarks, Mr Lawal Maikano, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning in Niger, said that the state had invested in the programme with beneficiaries across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the summit were from Benue, Kaduna, Gombe, Kogi, Plateau, Rivers and Niger states as well as the FCT.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kayode Olaitan

Gender

Remi Tinubu reels out women empowerment programmes

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled viable Women Economic Empowerment Programmes through her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)

Speaking during a meeting with wives of state governors and RHI state coordinators, Mrs Tinubu said that no fewer than 1,000 women petty traders across 36 states and FCT would be supported financially.

Specifically, the President’s wife said under the scheme, the RHI will provide N50,000 grant to 1,000 women petty traders accross the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

She said the programme was designed to capitalise existing small businesses of the beneficiaries and support their growth.

According to Mrs Tinubu, the programme will be inaugurated on Aug. 22, while calling on states that are yet to submit their list of beneficiaries to do so immediately.

The First Lady also disclosed that the RHI would be giving out N25 million to the overall winner of the #oneNigeriaunityfabric competition to be launched in October.

The competition, according to Mrs Tinubu, was designed to promote indigenous fabric as symbol of  unity, true resilient, love and commitment of the people.

She said the RHI is collaborating with the Universal Basic Education Commission; Tertiary Education Trust Fund; and the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development to promote Girl-Child education across the country.

“On the health sector, we are collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and other agencies like the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), to end tuberculosis scourge.

“In Agriculture, we are working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADFUND), has also reached out to us to train female farmers in each state and FCT,” she said

She said a competition tagged #everyhomeagarden, designed to promote subsistence farming by women, would unveiled a winner of the best garden, with a whopping N20 million reward.

According to her, the agricultural support will  encourage citizens, mostly women, to plant crops and vegetables in order to have enough food for both the garden owner and their neighbours.

She said the programmes would help to reduce the effects of hunger in the nation.

“It is also worthy of note, that the unveiling of 200 Awardees under the AUDA NEPAD/RHI Scholarship Programme will take place on 1st of August, 2024,” she said.

Mrs Tinubu appreciated all public spirited individuals who have reached out to support the RHI project.

She appreciated the governors’ wives and the members of the RHI governing council for their dedication and contributions to ensure that lives were impacted up to the grassroots level across the nation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

General News

Foundation commits to empowering vulnerable Nigerians through skills acquisition

By Aderogba George

True Foundation for Africa, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has pledged to empower more vulnerable Nigerians nationwide, especially youths and women, with skills acquisition to enable them to become self-reliant.

The founder of the organisation, Ms. Onose-Brenda Ataga, made the promise while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday.

She spoke with NAN at the closing session of the foundation’s six-day vocational training for indigenous people of Byazhin Kubwa Zone 3, Abuja.

NAN reports that the participants were trained in baking, barbering, and makeup during the event, which started on May 13.

Ataga explained that the vision was to fundamentally change the narrative of unemployment and promote local economic production for the country’s benefit.

She expressed the foundation’s determination to equip indigenous people with easily learnable skills, enabling each family to fend for itself.

She noted that each training delegate would receive a business starter pack to immediately apply what they had learned.

Ataga promised that the Foundation would continue to contribute to youth and community development.

NAN reports that True Foundation for Africa is a non-profit organisation committed to empowering underserved youths and women-led families by providing free skills acquisition training.

Founded in 2010, it has reached out to over 4,000 families and conducted over 30 sessions of vocational training nationwide.

As part of its annual activities, True Foundation has commenced its 2024 free vocational training programme.

The first cohort of this programme began with the indigenous people of Byazhin, Kubwa Zone 3, Abuja.

The foundation has been delivering this programme to various communities in Nigeria for the past 13 years. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng

Edited by Uche Anunne

Gender

Stakeholders advocate inclusion, women empowerment for sustainable growth

By Justina Auta

Stakeholders have called for more support and opportunities to promote inclusion and women empowerment for sustainable growth and development in the country.

They made the call at the International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneur (NASME) with a theme,” Empowering Women for Sustainable Success” on Saturday in Abuja.

Dr Tope Fasua, Special Assistant to the President on Economic Affairs office of the Vice President, said women contributes to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and managing resources at the family and national level.

“Women are central to any development of any economy, traditionally and historically, women are central to development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

“We have seen instances where our women have saved many families and it is fantastic that we have been able to co-opt this into the women wing of NASME and also recognition from the NANO aspect of the market.

“Our people are not waiting for government; they are being creative rather than getting into crime.

“So it is something we must continue to support and I will also advise in my capacity for government to give more support,” he said.

Also, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, trade and Investment, represented by Mrs Popola Abimbola, Chief Industrial Officer, noted that limited access to finance market and support services are barriers affecting women entrepreneurs.

“Women entrepreneurs still demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination in establishing and growing their businesses.

“We are committed to creating an enabling environment that facilitates the growth and success of women- owned SMEs.

“We recognise the importance of providing women entrepreneurs with access to affordable financing, business development services, and market opportunities to unleash their full potential,” she said.

Also, Mr Charles Odii, Director General, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) said empowering women was strategic for advancing economic development, social progress and inclusive prosperity.

Odii, represented by Regina Bamaiyi, Chief Executive Officer, said: “let us reaffirm our commitment to championing the rights and aspirations of women entrepreneurs.

“Let us work tirelessly and create a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, succeed and lead with dignity and determination.”

Mr Ali Mohammed Ali, MD, News Agency of Nigeria.

Dr Abdurashid Yerima, President and Chairman, NASME said the event was to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy and SMEs.

Yerima, underscored the importance of fostering an inclusive business environment, where women can achieve long-term success.

“This means addressing the challenges women entrepreneurs face such as access to finance, mentorship and market opportunities,” he said.

According to him, NASME has trained, organised networking events and partnered with financial institutions to access credit and enable women-owned businesses to thrive.

On his part, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) noted the immense contributions of women to the growth and development of the country.

Ali also emphasised on media’s role in inspiring inclusion and driving Nigeria’s economic growth and innovation.

“Virtually all media have specific airtime and pages devoted to gender issues, health, empowerment and others that will inspire growth.

“African is a very masculine, patriarchal society, where men dominate and in some cultures, women are seen as second class citizens.

“But with the help of the media, some of these narratives, where women are subjected to the background are being gradually affected and changed for the better,” he said.

Ms. Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, said” “empowering women is not just an activity; it is directly linked to improvements in community health and education, which are fundamental to sustainable development.

“Women often reinvest a higher percentage of their income back into their families and communities.

“This reinvestment leads to better-educated and healthier future generations, creating a positive cycle of development.”

Other highlights of the day were panel discussions and conferment of awards to notable personalities for their immense contributions to women empowerment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

General News

NGO empowers 4,000 women for maximum potential

 

By Rukayat Adeyemi
SheCan Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, says it is dedicated to empowering and uplifting women to realise their full potential.

Mrs Ezinne Ezeani, founder, SheCan, said this at a news conference on its upcoming  SheCan 2024 Conference, with the theme: “Positioning For More”, held in Lagos.

According to her, the conference aims to empower over 4,000 women through collaboration, empowerment and providing opportunities for success.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the event is scheduled for May 24 in Lagos.

SheCan Nigeria is a movement for contemporary women to realise their potential and develop their capabilities to achieve success.

This is through collaboration and empowerment to become active players and contributors in the world.

Ezeani said the NGO has partnered with various sponsors and partners who will be giving out sponsorship and business grants in tonnes of millions to lucky beneficiaries at the conference.

She named some of such partners as; Optiva Capital, NNPC, Wema Bank, Shell, Nigerian Bottling Company, Lush Hair, CWAY, among others, whose vision aligns with that of SheCan.

According to her, industry leaders, namely: Mrs Tara Fela-Durotoye, Nigerian beauty entrepreneur and lawyer, Dr Jane Kimemia, Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Optiva Capital, among other top female professionals would speak at the conference.

Ezeani noted that the conference since its inception has been empowering women to do more irrespective of their gender, career, business, education and other works of life.

“Our goal is to inspire and transform the lives of women with a mantra that they can do more through free empowerment programmes from industry leaders.

“Beyond just coming to sit and listen to various speakers, participants have a lot of take homes to benefit from the conference and also network.

“Over 3,000 participants in our community have registered ahead for the free conference,” she said.

According to her, it is important for intending participants to register ahead, as the registration portal would close once it reaches its peak for the required number of participants.

Also, Mrs Olajumoke Ajayi, Board Member, SheCan Nigeria, said this year’s edition of the conference would surpass previous editions, just as the conference always gets better yearly.

Ajayi stated that the conference has been touching lives and many previous participants have been giving testimonies of the impact of the conference on their subsequent achievements in life.

She described SheCan as “God’s project”, while the board members have always planned together in unity of purpose to achieve the best.

“Participants would gain from the life experiences of our renowned speakers and be empowered to position themselves in their businesses, careers and other endeavours of life,” Ajayi said.

In her remark, Kimemia, CEO, Optiva Capital said the firm partnered with SheCan having discovered that both organisations share the same value of empowering the next generation and repositioning women.

She stated that women are exceptional and can do more in all that they focus to do if given the opportunity and platform to thrive.

According to her, Optiva as an Asset management investment and real estate firm would present opportunities that would connect more women to global investment and help them build generational wealth at the conference.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Cheque presentation by the NNPC Ltd. and Exploration & Production Limited (First E&P) Joint venture (JV) to the beneficiaries of donations targeted towards enhancing societal welfare, would address areas of healthcare and well-being, quality education and economic growth.
Oil & Gas

NNPC Ltd., First E&P JV empower NGOs with N53.4m

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and First Exploration & Production Limited (First E&P) Joint venture (JV) have donated N53 million to some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the country.

The NNPC Ltd. said the donation was part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Mr Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), on Friday in Abuja, during the cheques presentation ceremony expressed gratitude to First E & P for initiating the laudable programme.

Wunti, in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. said under the JV’s Impact First Initiative, the donation, targeted towards enhancing societal welfare, would address areas of healthcare and well-being, quality education and economic growth.

Wunti, represented by the Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Mrs Edith Lawson, highlighted NNPC Ltd.’s belief in the power of CSR.

He emphasised that the Company remained committed to working with its partners to impact the lives of the less-privileged.

Wunti said under the initiative, projects and programmes executed included the provision of classrooms, ICT Centres, laboratories and other infrastructural intervention projects, scholarships, quiz competitions, skill acquisitions and economic empowerment.

According to him, it is a testimony to NNPC’s dedication to fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.

He described First E & P’s foresight and leadership as commendable, adding that the partner has spearheaded the initiative towards meaningful change that would ensure a better future for all Nigerians.

The beneficiaries of the donation included the Irede Foundation, which provides custom-made artificial limbs to child amputees aged 0-18 and Human Development Initiative (HDI).

This focuses on tackling fundamental issues of poverty, injustice, neglect, deprivation, and equality among vulnerable people.

Others were the OISA Foundation, which transforms lives through interventions in the education and healthcare sectors; Cerebral Palsy Center, which renders support to families with children with cerebral palsy.

The beneficiaries also included the Niola Cancer Care Foundation, which organises awareness talks and screens communities for colon cancer. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Politics

NGOs train female politicians on leadership positions

By Aderogba George

The Gender Strategy Advancement Initiative and SheForum Africa, Non-Governmental Organisations, on Wednesday, trained young female politicians on how to attain leadership positions in the country.

The NGOs said this on Wednesday at a round table discussion titled “The Godmother’s mentorship series” in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the round table discussion is aimed at building the capacity of women to contest for leadership positions in 2027 general elections.

The Founder, SheForum Africa, Mrs Inimfon Etuk, said that there was no point waiting until 2027 before the female folks could start galvanising themselves for the realisation of gender equality in the country’s political arena.

Etuk said her organisation had realised  that no group could do it alone in building Nigeria to the desire of many.

“No one person, no one organisation can do it alone; we all know there are a lot of target right now globally, there is the United Nations 2030 target for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Part of the SDG goals is gender equality, there is also goal which talks about partnership, our target in Nigeria is geared towards the achievement of democratic dispensation by 2027.

“We are getting ready for the election, there is so much that has happened within the light of our politics in Nigeria. We don’t need to wait until the year of election before we need to start gearing up for it.

“We want to influence who emerge as candidates of political parties, the advocacy that is on the table right now is that we are targeting the political parties.

“We want political parties to fill female candidates for the 2027 general elections, we want to leverage on the strength of numbers of women and young people in Nigeria,” she said.

Sen. Biodun Olujimi, who called for a backup of the legislation for the realisation of gender equality in Nigeria, added that the only way was to achieve such aim.

Olujimi recalled that Sierra Leone was able to back such idea with legislation before it could have 50/50 equal gender representation in its parliament.

Olujimi also mentioned Senegal as having 42/58 per cent inclusivity of both gender in its parliament, adding that there was need to encourage younger people to fill the political space in Nigeria.

Mrs Toyin Saraki, Founder, Well-being Foundation Africa, emphasised the need for knowledge transformation into young female Nigerians, adding that that was the reason why some of them were invited to the programme.

“We are invited here basically to this roundtable to begin to talk about knowledge transformation, especially in the different generational ways. Some of us have become experts to meet with the younger experts.

“We are putting together modalities by which we expose them, to also spring up and learn from each other, so that by the time the next election takes place in Nigeria, we would have exposed more people who wish to take up leadership positions.

“We must understand investment in the education of our children, it is one of the process of development of a child, we must begin to grow children in the right way before they grow to become adult,” she said.

Mrs Adaora Sydney-Jack, Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advocacy International, said the Godmother Mentorship Series was all about closing the gap for leadership especially for young women in Nigeria.

Sydney-Jack emphasised the need to change the narrative in order to have more women in political positions in the country.

Ene Obi, Former Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, said, “the time is now for Nigeria to shun the issue of god-fatherism in politics and allow more women to participate in it.

“The capacity building is an inter-generational mentorship initiative aimed at nurturing more women into leadership positions in the country.

“Few women are in the leadership positions in the country, and this is so abysmal for a country like Nigeria known as the giant of Africa, and we are suppose to serve as example to others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Traditional rulers in Nigeria
Judiciary , General News

Senior lawyer wants constitutional empowerment for traditional rulers to tackle insecurity

By Ebere Agozie

Mr Mohammed Ndarani, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has called on the National Assembly to amend the Nigerian constitution to empower traditional rulers to address security issues and promote participatory democracy in Nigeria.

Ndarani said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while referring to his memorandum on the review of the 1999 Constitution which he submitted to the House of Representatives in Abuja.

NAN reports that Ndarani co-signed the memorandum with Dr Stephen Nyeenenwa of the Department of Philosophy, faculty of Humanities, Rivers State University.

He said that traditional rulers were the essence of a legitimate form of participatory democracy since their involvement at the grassroots go a long way towards ensuring grassroots democracy.

The SAN noted that cutting the traditional rulers off from the mainstream political administration exposed the nation’s democracy to serious abuse and corrupt manipulations.

“This is why we proposed in our submission that traditional rulers should be given such powers and functions that accord with their role as the custodians of the people’s culture and traditions.

“The empowerment of traditional rulers will address the nation’s security challenges and accountability in governance.

“Traditional rulers, as custodians of cultural heritage and moral values, are deeply embedded in their communities and possess unique insights into local dynamics.

“By leveraging their influence and authority, they can contribute significantly to efforts aimed at curbing insecurity in their various kingdoms and emirate councils.”

He noted that traditional rulers enjoyed easy accessibility to their subjects, caused mostly by their life-long reigns and hereditary status.

“They are more stable, influential, and on the average, are among the most trusted institutions in the country.

“It is therefore, imperative that at this period of our democratic growth, we involve them in political administration so that the society will benefit from the public approval ratings that they enjoy.

“Of course, they will transfer the overwhelmingly robust acceptability they enjoy to democratic leadership as a means to shape and improve their various communities.

“They will lawfully work with the police, elected politicians and other stakeholders for the peace and security of their areas. This, we believe, will foster social cohesion and stability and improve democratic consciousness and participation,” Ndarani said.

The senior lawyer said that they also proposed the establishment of a National Council of Traditional Rulers.

“The constitution should formalise and recognise the roles played by the traditional rulers in mediating between the people and the state in enhancing national identity, resolving minor conflicts and providing the needed institutional safety valve to accommodate, absorb and make up for the inadequacies of state bureaucracies.

“The traditional rulers have been on the scene since time immemorial, before the advent of colonialism. To their credit, they form and occupy a central and important role in the lives of the various people and colour their cultural identities.

“By empowering traditional institutions and ensuring accountability at all levels of government, Nigeria can navigate its way towards a safer and a more prosperous future,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

We’re engaging youths, women in agric, skills in Kebbi – Idris

By Ismail Abdulaziz
Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has said that his administration was giving priority attention to the youths and women in the state.

Idris said that this was in recognition of the important role the youths and women play in the socio-economic development of any society.

The governor, in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Abuja, said the youth and women are enjoying the dividends of democracy appropriately across the state.

“During our elections campaign, we promised the youth that we will create opportunities for them, by engaging them, by creating skills acquisition centres, and that we have started.

“We have awarded contracts for the construction of the skills acquisition centres, we will furnish them and we will make sure that we engage our teeming youth to be productive.

“We will engage them by giving them stipends and tools so that they can be independent.”

Idris said that in the area of agriculture, the youths are being engaged in farming activities through associations and clusters.

“We bought solar pumps and all the equipment needed to make the youth participate actively in farming.

“Our message has always been that they should go back to the farm because it is a goldmine so to speak.

“And they are leveraging what the state government has put in place to make farming a lucrative business.

“We are now working hard to ensure that fertilizers are distributed to real farmers to encourage farming activities in the state and to particularly engage our teeming youth,” he said.

On industrialisation, the governor said that the state government was already leveraging on the model establishment of the tomato factory by the federal government recently.

He said that the state has received a business proposal from a foreign investor on the development of an onion processing and packaging company.

“Recently, one private firm came to Kebbi state, we kick-started a discussion on the issue of onions and I can tell you that we have gone far.

“Kebbi state is known for farming onions, so the firm said that it has a way of preserving onions or drying and exporting it to other countries.

“So, we have just started discussions around that with them and I know that In sha Allah at the end of the day all of us will benefit from that cooperation.”

The governor said his administration had established healthcare centres to encourage the productivity of women, adding that Kebbi has big-time women farmers that needed to be taken care of in term of their families and children well being.

“We are doing a lot for women in Kebbi state. Women are central to our activities as a government. We have just awarded the rehabilitation of hospitals and primary healthcare facilities to ensure that women in the state enjoy the dividends of our administration.

“We are engaging a lot of women in agriculture and they are doing very well. Women are among the top and most powerful farmers we have in Kebbi state largely due to our intervention as a government.

“I know a particular woman who harvests between 600 and 1,000 bags of rice at the end of a season and there are many.

“We are not going to leave the women behind, they are part of us and part of this administration and if anything that will make them achieve the best things in life, we will not hesitate to do it”.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Some widows with their packages during the event
General News

Group kicks off empowerment initiative for women

By Chimezie Anaso

A non-denominational Christian group, Ruth Sisters’ Fellowship International (RSFI), Nigeria, has called for the empowerment of the Nigerian woman to enable her survive challenges, including widowhood.

Prof. Ada Menakaya, the Rector of the fellowship, made the call at the 2nd Anniversary and inauguration of the Onitsha chapter in Anambra on Wednesday.

The theme of the convention, which witnessed the cutting of the Sister to Sister Love cake, was “Ruth-Naomi Widow’s Mara Ripple (Ruth 1:19-21)”.

Menakaya, represented by Mrs Caroline Enarere, the National Coordinator of the Fellowship, encouraged widows, particularly the young ones, to empower themselves with education and skills for better productivity and better lives.

She said they should not make themselves vulnerable and burden to the society.

She announced the kick off of the Widows Entrepreneur Startup Initiative with a sum of N20,000 for 20 vulnerable widows for them to start up income-generating businesses for their families.

“Our mission is rooted in the biblical life story and spiritual journey of Ruth and Naomi, the Fellowship is the rebirth of gender character for a generation with a mission..

“We want to let every woman understand that being made empty, draws her back to her roots of Royalty in Jesus Christ, where she will be made whole in the actualization of a character for generations to come,” Menakaya said.

Aged widow with her package during the event
An elderly widow with her package during the event

Menakaya said that the growing trend of economic downturn and gender inequality had impeded women’s capacity and potential to be players in their destinies.

She said widowhood challenges, inability to access and control resources, lack of access to education and information as well as unequal rights and access to decision-making processes were crucial to opportunities available to women.

“For women to be empowered to move from their inequalities and challenges to faith, sacrifice, and strong will, requires supportive resolve to education and empowerment through the help of one another.

“Widowhood concerns are still global issues needing solutions that must be reached for women’s advancement, and progression, a better environment for women, especially the less privileged widows, across the world.

“Widowhood emotions are thwarted, affecting their gender balancing, emotions, and character, and this requires psychological and emotional therapy that could lead to a better world for the vulnerable and helpless widows,” she said.

Also speaking, Iyom Josephine Anenih, a former Minister of Women Affairs, urged widows to be determined to live a positive life after the loss of their husbands.

According to her, “occupy yourselves with productive ventures, do not be vulnerable to the society, you can do it with strong will and prayers.”

Mrs Mary Chude, Leader of the newly-inaugurated Onitsha chapter of the fellowship, assured that she would do her best to move the body forward in the area with prayers and members’ support.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that widows and a widower received food items, including rice, gari and onions at the event.

Some guests at the occasion, including Rev. Dr Jason Chukwukelu of Achievers’ Gospel Church Intl, Onitsha, Pastor P. O. Amaukwu, Mrs Christy Chukwukelu and Rev. Mrs Kings Afimoni, amongst others, offered prayers for the success of the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

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