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Tag Empowerment

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

Members of Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN)
General News

Unity Bank, association empower over 5,000 women-led businesses

By Lucy Ogalue

The Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN) in collaboration with Unity Bank Plc has empowered over 5,000 women-led enterprises across the country.

Adenike Abimbola, the Divisional Head for Retail, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Banking, Unity Bank Plc, said this on Tuesday in Abuja.

Abimbola spoke at an event organised by both organisations to mark the International Women’s Day with the theme: “Building Sustainable Entrepreneurial and Financial Skills for Women in Challenging Times.”

She noted that the partnership with the association had enabled the empowerment of Nigerian women with skills and credit facilities in a single digit interest fee.

She said: “We have been supporting this association for over many years now. Our women-based product called the Yanga has given so much to so many women.

“The Yanga product has a free HMO for all the women who open account with Unity Bank.

“It is free for all of them to go to the hospital to do any checkup or whatever to certain limits under the HMO management portal.”

Earlier, the National Coordinator of ANWBN, Mrs Angela Ajala, said the association comprised of over 90 women business groups with over five million members.

“Nowadays, it is more crucial than ever to equip women with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to thrive as entrepreneurs and financial leaders.

“We are here to celebrate International Women’s Day on behalf of the ANWBN, which is a coalition of women organisations who are in charge of over 90 female organisations with over five million women.

“Many women now are weary, tired, they do not know the new trends because things have changed, so we want to inspire them into being included in the business space.

“You need to be a bit digital, you need to change your tools, you need to upscale your hand work so that you can survive and that is why we chose the theme of the event,” she said.

Ajala reiterated the importance of investing in sustainable entrepreneurial and financial skills for women to empower them to navigate challenges in the business space. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Some of the rural women who benefitted from Tech Herfrica empowerment
Gender , General News

NGO unveils guidebook for empowering rural women

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Tech Herfrica, a leading social impact Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) dedicated to empowering women in rural communities has unveiled a guidebook for implementing impactful programmes in rural communities.

Founder of the group, Mrs Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, said during the unveiling that the publication “Breaking Barriers”, was loaded with strategies and tactics.

Bibowei-Osuobeni said the move was to honour rural women on the occasion of International Women’s Day and also to ensure that they have access to the various empowerment programmes aimed at driving change in some rural areas in FCT and Nasarawa.

She emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating that the community of practice would facilitate the sharing of insights, data, and resources crucial for the successful implementation of the programmes.

Bibowei-Osuobeni also stated that stakeholders needed to work together to utilise a holistic approach for poverty reduction.

“With contributions from seasoned experts boasting a collective five decades of experience, the book equips change makers with the necessary knowledge to effect lasting change in rural settings.

“The book will also help to break the cycle of poverty, reduce inequalities and boost agriculture and trade.

“Tech Herfrica inaugurated the Rural Community of Practice, a collaborative platform designed to bring together like-minded individuals and organisations committed to driving positive change in rural areas.

“The community of practice will facilitate the sharing of insights, data and resources crucial for the successful implementation of programmes,” she said.

Funmi Okubanjo, founder, Aziza Development Foundation and one of the contributors to the book, urged stakeholders to priortise collaboration in order to accelerate investment in women towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Osarugue Amayanvbo, a special guest at the event and the book reviewer, said the book contained relevant tips that can help change-makers achieve lasting impact in rural settings.

She also expressed surprise at how the tactics shared in the book can be used by businesses to achieve success.

Prominent figures from both the private and public sectors graced the event, including Dr Ese Owie, former Chairman, Edo State Board of Internal Revenue and Prince Godswill Edward, a two-time Special Adviser on Youths Development to Rivers governor.

Others are Dr Nicholas Allo, CEO, Visual Earth Limited; Esohe Ekunwe, Director of Operations and Strategy at Tech Herfrica; and Ivie Ogiemwonyi, a lawyer and social entrepreneur.

Their enthusiastic support underscored the significance of Tech Herfrica’s efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women in rural communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Metro

Councillor empowers 800 vulnerable Lagos residents, distributes cash items worth N10m

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

Prince Taiwo Oyekan, Deputy Leader, Lagos Island Local Government Legislative Council, has called on Nigerians with means, to support the needy and  vulnerable in their various communities.

Oyekan made the call while speaking at an empowerment programme he organised for vulnerable residents of the local government  area.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that cash ,food items ,sewing machines and other empowerment items ,were distributed to widows,elderlies and other vulnerable people at the programme.

Oyekan, representing Ward C1 , said that  he organised the programme to complement government’s efforts  at mitigating the effects of economic hardship at the grassroots.

Prince Taiwo Oyekan, Deputy Leader, Lagos Island Local Government Legislative Arm (Second Right) presenting sewing machines to beneficiaries on Thursday in Lagos.

 

“I had to save to come up with this  economic empowerment programme because of the hardship in the economy at the moment.

” I had  been thinking of how to give back to the community and to our people before we came up with this We have given out sewing machines, bags of rice and cash to the people.

“This is our own way of supporting what Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, have been doing to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

“This is funded by me. I saved  from my impress and salary as the councillor to give back to the people.

“We have spent over N10million to carry our this mega economic empowerment,” Oyekan said.

The legislator said  that he personally went round to select  the beneficiaries from  the various communities in the council area.

Oyekan, who noted that he had been empowering his constituents since 2017, urged the  latest  beneficiaries to make good use of the gesture.

Speaking ,Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, who was represented by the Head of White Cap Chiefs, Chief Abdul-lateef Aderibigbe-Ajose, said with the programme,the  councillor  had followed the foot steps of his father, late Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, who was also a philanthropist.

Akiolu advised the beneficiaries to use the items judiciously to create wealth for themselves.

Also speaking, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Mayegun Moshood, noted that the party was proud of the gesture of Oyekan .

Describing the gesture as great, Ojelabi said that the councillor had keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

One of the beneficiaries, Alhaja Wulemotu Musa, who prayed for the council legislator, said what she got would help  her at  Ramadan.

“We can’t have this  without saying prayers for the giver. As we eat and feed others, we shall continue to pray for him,” Musa said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Shewu Sanusi-Aka, another beneficiary, also  said that the empowerment items would help him a lot.

Sanusi-Aka said: “This is very fantastic, the Prince has been doing well  and God will continue to help him.

“The last time he did this, I was given  reading glasses and medicine free. He has done a lot for many people..My advice for him is to continue and good will follow him.

Another beneficiary ,Mr Yisa Giwa, also applauded Oyekan, for the gesture saying it  would go a long way to alleviate  sufferings and hardship in the area.

A  beneficiary of  sewing machine, Ms Shakeerat Muhammad from Isale-Eko community, applauded the councillor, saying that the machine would boost  her income and help her family. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

General News

U.S. to launch initiatives to empower writers, Nigerian music artistes, others

 

 

 

By Funmilola Gboteku

In a bid to strengthen its ties with Nigeria, the U.S. government says it will be launching different initiatives to empower writers, TV producers, actors, music artistes and Nigerian students.

Lee Satterfield, Assistant Secretary of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, said this during an interview session at the American Corner located at Vibranium Valley Tech City, Ikeja, on Wednesday evening.

She said that creating empowerment opportunities would help bridge the gap between the Hollywood and Nollywood, music industry, among others by sharing resources.

According to her, the U.S. wants TV producers to come to the United States to be mentored by American writers and producers at the University of Southern California (USC) Cinematic Art.

Satterfield said the initiative which was an amazing programme, would produce incredible talents.

She added that the U.S. would also be granting writers from Nigeria the opportunity to come and collaborate with American writers to help establish television shows.

Satterfield said this would be done by seeing them through production and different phases of creative process.

On music, the U.S. official said: “We will be partnering with brands to bring African music industry professionals to Los Angeles to be mentored by recording academy members, so that they can basically network.

“We are also launching a community college initiative to bring Nigerians to the United States to study.

“Providing economic opportunities and access to education is critically important, it is both the right and smart thing to do,” Satterfield said.

On investing in women, she said that not including them in businesses was like leaving out half of the world’s population.

According to Satterfield, providing women access to opportunities is not only good for individuals, but communities and families.

She said that currently, the U.S. was running different programmes to empower women.

Satterfield said that one of the programmes was Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, a training course developed at Arizona State University.

According to her, women entrepreneurs go through training and administer it globally by building a community of women who are interested in starting a business.

She added that Nigerians particularly had the spirit of entrepreneurship.

In terms of protecting Nigerian Cultural antiques, Satterfield said the U.S. had invested over $1.3 million over the past decade in digitising museums, so that there would be a record.

She added that this was also done to stop the illicit trafficking of cultural antiques that was happening all over the world.

Satterfield said that the U.S. and Nigerian recently signed a bilateral cultural property agreement again, to preserve the nations art collections from smugglers. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Gender

NGOs call for increased support for women, youth for economic growth

By Justina Auta

Arise Monalisa Foundation and One Percent International, NGOs, have advocated the need for greater investment in women and youth to boost their socio-economic and political advancement in Nigeria.

The call was made during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of their conference commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD), themed “Count Her In: Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”, scheduled for March 28 in Abuja.

Monalisa Chinda, Founder of Arise Monalisa Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s goal of addressing economic challenges by empowering women for financial independence.

“I decided to collaborate with One Percent International management to see how we can reach out to young people who are thriving in their businesses or struggling to help them stabilise in this economy.

“This is in line with the UN IWD theme. In Nigeria, we need the women to be counted in at the helm of affairs.

“Collaboration is necessary and I always hope that women would always come together to support one another.

“We want to help young people and women grow their businesses, “she said.

According to her, some beneficiaries that have already applied for the support through their website will be selected and given financial support, leadership skills, as well as monitored to ensure progress and success of their businesses.

She explained further that through the initiative, they would collaborate with banks and notable individuals to support young female business owners.

“We have a website where we asked people to register and showcase their goods and products.

“We currently have about 300 people who have registered, and we will select the people to benefit from the initiative,”she said.

On her part, Stephanie Nnamdi, Chief Executive Officer, One Percent International, said the application to participate in the empowerment exercise was open to every young eligible woman.

“It is open for everybody to try to get in. But on that day, the people that will get the benefit will be 10 through proper solution.

“The financial institutions are the ones that are going to manage the money for them like a mentorship to ensure accountability.

“It’s not money that you take and spend on frivolities. This is strictly for business and they must be monitored,”she said.

Also, Uchenna Amadi, Strategist Manager, said the collaboration would not only improve the economic status of the beneficiaries but also impacted on the nation’s economy.

“The foundation since 2013 has been a beacon of hope for women who are striving to be the best in their space.

“And this time she has partnered with one Percent International to make sure it becomes something that the country will be concerned about.

“We will create an opportunity for women to learn and their skills harnessed, so we ask everyone to come and support,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights to mark the IWD conference include: panel discussions, exhibition, and launch of AMF Hub and networking sessions. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Gov. Godwin Obaseki
General News

IWD 2024: Edo govt, GIZ empower 200 women with POS machines, grants

By Nefishetu Yakubu

The Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender, has empowered no fewer than 200 women with Point of Sale (POS) machines and N4 million as start-off grants.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the empowerment was done in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) of Germany, Wema Bank and other partners in the state.

The Public Relation Officer of the ministry, Osato Ekhator, told newsmen in Benin that the empowerment was part of activities to mark the International Women’s Day, which held on Friday, March 8.

Ekhator disclosed that 75 women got their POS machines and grants on Friday, March 8, while an additional 125 would start getting theirs from March 11.

“The state government has ensured that the 200 women who benefitted from this empowerment would become independent and self sufficient as they navigate through the economic hardship in the country,” she added.

On his part, the coordinator, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Joel Zombu, noted that GIZ had implemented a lot to empower women in different spheres, as well as contribute to gender policies of the ministry.

According to Zombu, the organization has been in collaboration with Nigeria for over 50 years and had also empowered Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), youths and women among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

Education , General News

Firm to empower UNILAG female students 

 

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Chief Operating Officer of Dentsu Agyle Nigeria, Marian Ogaziechi, says the firm plans to empower female students of the University of Lagos, in the spirit of the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.

The firm is an integrated marketing, media buying/investment, entertainment and production agency.

Ogaziechi, in a statement to commemorate the IWD in Lagos on Friday, said the firm would empower female students in the University with a business masterclass and symposium.

She said that selected female students would also be supported with N2 million business grant at the seminar, holding on April 12, at the university.

Ogaziechi gave the symposium’s theme as ‘Women Leading Change: Empowering the Next Generation of Marketing and Creative Mavericks’.

According to her, this is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at empowering female undergraduate and postgraduate students in Mass Communication, Creative Arts, and others interested in marketing communications.

“This masterclass aims to inspire and equip the next generation of female marketing leaders by providing them with valuable industry knowledge and fostering their professional growth.

“We are passionate about investing in the future of our industry.

“This masterclass is an opportunity for us to share our expertise and empower young female minds with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the ever-evolving world of marketing and communications,” she said.

Similarly, Ifeoma Uzor, the Project Manager, said that attendees would gain insights from accomplished female leaders, exploring topical and self-development topics.

Uzor said erudite and experienced speakers would explore topics centred on breaking navigating gender stereotypes and fostering self-belief in the workplace, crafting a strong professional identity.

According to her, these areas are needed while building a successful career path, developing essential skills and strategies to excel in the marketing and advertising industry.

She said it was helpful in building connections with industry professionals and gaining valuable guidance from female leaders.

Uzor, who doubles as a Media Buying Deputy Manager at D’Agyle, said, “On International Women’s Day, we are committed to empowering and uplifting the next generation of female leaders in marketing and advertising.

 

“This masterclass is a testament to our dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within our industry.

“We believe that by providing young women with the necessary tools and support, we can help them achieve their full potential and break barriers in their chosen fields.”

Also, the Project Mobilisation Officer, Oladunni Akinola, said that Dentsu Agyle would also be interested in giving internship opportunities to outstanding students.

“We want to help female students excel and give them the opportunities to be leaders in the industry.

“The masterclass is open to university students from all disciplines with an interest in marketing, communications, and business,” Akinola said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Defence/Security

Ex-minister advocates women empowerment to protect children’s future

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, has called on the society to support the empowerment of women to be able to protect the future of their children.

Tallen made the call on Saturday, in Abuja at an event organised by the Defence and Police officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), in commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024.

The event is with the theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate the Diversity and Empowerment of Women”.

She said IWD was set aside to amplify the need of women in all facets of national development, saying that the nation would not be able to get things right without women being at the decision table.

The former minister said the country needed more women at the helms of affairs in the country, urging men to emulate President Bola Tinubu who encouraged his wife to be a senator for three terms.

“We also need to encourage men to support their wives to be on the decision making table so that laws that would protect the rights of women would be made to protect the family.

“This is because the women always think of the family and the family includes our children both boys and girls.

“Equality must start from home. As parents we must teach our children to respect one another and have the fear of God so that we can have a better country,” she said.

Tallen also urged the wives of the military personnel and other security agencies to continue to stand in prayer for their husbands while they strive to restore peace to every part of the country.

“I am calling on all of them to stand in prayers for your husbands because the role of the woman is to be the engine room of prayers.

“The security challenges facing Nigeria can only be solve through prayers and I am happy to state clearly that the wife of the defence chief is a woman of prayers and a prayer warrior.

“I call on her to engage the wives of other service chiefs to engage in prayers for the president, wife of the president and especially security chiefs because they are the ones fighting insecurity across the country.

“I believe when women pray something happens,” she added.

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa speaking at the DEPOWA International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 in Abuja on Saturday (9/3/24)

The President of DEPOWA, Mrs Oghogho Musa, said the event was organised in line with commitment of DEPOWA under her leadership to empowering women.

Musa said that when women are empowered, they would be able to impact their communities, their environment and essentially the society at large.

She said that “Inspire Inclusion” was adopted as the theme for the year with its main goal being to encourage everyone to recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life so towards forging a better world.

According to her, the key word here is being ‘Encouraging” challenges us to showcase our values and worth individually and collectively as a group whenever the opportunity arises.

“As women, we often experience systemic barriers and discrimination in workplace, politics and other various aspects of our everyday interactions. We should not be discouraged and also not view these situations as gender matters only, but as matters of human rights concerns.

“The great women we celebrate across the world and back home in Nigeria were not deterred by these circumstances.

“Their achievements would continue to serve as lessons for us to draw inspirations to enable us face our daily endeavors,” she said.

Musa urged all women groups and professionals to be steadfast, use their positions and seize the opportunity presented to them to inspire more inclusion of women in the decision-making, leadership and development of the society.

She said that DEPOWA recently recorded a milestone, when it constructed a Maternity Centre in the Nigerian Defence Academy Hospital in Kaduna and named it after the immediate past president, Mrs Vickie Irabor.

The project, according to her, was conceived and executed in line with the ideals and principles DEPOWA stands for and also in resonance with her vision for the association.

She said her vision was to see women and girls become productive and contributors to family and society, driven by a deep sense of values and a hardworking spirit.

According to her, the very first step to achieving this is to provide facilities which could potentially reduce maternal mortality rate and guarantee the survival and wellbeing of mothers.

“Also, we shall continue to improve the quality of training at the DEPOWA Skills Acquisition Centre by upgrading the facilities and expanding the programs offered too,” she added.

A resource person, Mrs Jiritmwa Goyit, said inclusion encourages everyone to recognise the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalised communities.

The Social and Gender Advocate said that investing in women was a way to promote gender equity and empower women economically.

Goyit stressed the need for investment in women’s financial inclusion was particularly critical in Nigeria, where a study revealed a concerning 12 per cent gender gap.

This, according to her, means that women are significantly less likely than men to have access to formal financial services. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Isaac Aregbesola

Foreign

Women empowerment, key to national dev’t, says wife of Chinese envoy

By Sarafina Christopher

Madam Liang Huili, Wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun has underscored the need to create more opportunities for the empowerment of women in order to foster national growth and development.

The wife of the Chinese ambassador highlighted the need on Friday in Abuja, at an event organised by the embassy to commemorate the International Women’s Day 2024.

The event tagged, “The Women In Culture” was organised with the support of the Society of Nigerian Artists.

According to her, women are creators of human civilisation and drivers of social progress as they have recorded extraordinary achievements across all fields of endeavour.

“We need to create more job opportunities for women and crack down on violations of women’s rights and interests.

“In China, the gender gap in compulsory education has been largely closed with women accounting for more than 40 per cent of the country’s workforce with more than half of China’s Internet start-up businesses set up by women.

“We need to enhance global cooperation in advancing women’s development.

“Without a peaceful and stable global environment and sustainable development, and without leveraging the UN’s key coordinating role, the cause of women’s development cannot move forward.

“We should create new opportunities for women to participate in decision-making and be more involved in national, economic, cultural, and social governance.

Liang also added that In pursuing development, there is a need to remove barriers and create an enabling environment in which women are motivated, their creativity is unleashed to the fullest, and they truly feel satisfied, happy and secure.

“We need to eliminate prejudice, discrimination and violence against women and make gender equality a social norm observed by all.

“We need to ensure that women advance at the forefront of our times,”Liang said.

Speaking at the event, Mr James Sule, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, expressed appreciation to China for their support and contribution towards promoting women’s empowerment.

The permanent secretary, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Aisha Bello, declared that the significance of the role of women in national development, both in Nigeria and around the world cannot be overemphasised.

“Women have always played a pivotal role in shaping societies, driving economies and fostering innovation.

“In Nigeria, women have been at the forefront of various industries and sectors contributing significantly to the socio economic development of our nation, from intrapreneurship, politics, education, healthcare, arts, technology amongst others , women have shown the ability to lead, inspire and create change,” he said.

Sule also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting women in reaching their goals and fulfilling their potential.

“The ministry will leverage initiatives such as mentorship and skills development programs, as well as funding opportunities as we intend to provide women with the requisite tools and resources needed to succeed in their chosen field.

“We will also strive to create a more inclusive and supportive environment that enables women to thrive and excel in the creative and cultural industries,” he said.

Mr Muhammad Sulaiman, the President of the Society of Nigerian Artists emphasised that Nigeria must deliberately take advantage of its present day situation to look inwards to proffer solutions through social and empowerment programmes.

“These programmes includes microcredit schemes, skills trainings, and short term workshops for mothers and widows, and then the protection of women’s rights at their workplaces,

“The creation of a fair playgrounds for women in leadership positions and in advocating rights to beneficial business opportunities,” Sulaiman said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim