NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

Group urges women to report rights violations to ECOWAS Court

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By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court Women’s Forum has called on West African women to always seek redress at the ECOWAS Court of Justice for gender-based violence and discrimination.

The forum’s President, Mrs Frances Ibanga, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

She spoke on the sidelines of a Street Walk organised by the group to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day with the theme “Accelerated Action” on Saturday.

According to Ibanga, the ECOWAS Court primarily serves as a human rights court, and urged women to bring forward cases of gender-based violence and discrimination for adjudication.

“Women have previously taken cases of gender-based violence to this court and achieved justice,” she said.

She cited the case of a female Air Force officer who was abused and raped, saying that the court upheld her rights.

“When she turned to this court, she found confidence and had her dignity restored.

“Today, she is enjoying the justice she fought for,” Ibanga added.

On the significance of the celebration, Ibanga said that it was all about advocacy for women to be given equal rights and opportunities in all ramifications.

According to her, there is need for women to take immediate steps, and be encouraged, to achieve whatever they want.

“We’ve come together for gender equality and, especially for the fact that the campaign theme for this year is “Accelerate Action.”

“Women have actually been talking, we have been making the proposals.

“We have been doing advocacy so that we can be integrated and have a place in society.

“The time for too much talk is gone, now is time for affirmative action,” she stressed.

She explained that the forum had over the years been at the forefront of supporting women and young school girls, by doing a lot for them.

“First and foremost, we create awareness, letting them know about their rights, and at the same time, empower them economically.

“We’ve made efforts to empower women economically; that way a lot of their poverty will be alleviated and women will be financially independent.

“We go to them from time to time to encourage them and to drive the campaign against all the vices, for example, drug abuse and all what not,” Ibanga said.

The Court’s Chief Registrar, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, said women should be encouraged to change their mindset, to overcome inferiority complexes, and believe in their ability to achieve anything men could.

Also, Mrs Ami Savage, Head of the ECOWAS Court’s Administration and Human Resources Division, urged the Federal Government to make university-level education compulsory for every girl-child. (NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

General News

Gender-equality: NGX, Musawa advocate public-private collaboration

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By Taiye Olayemi
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has emphasised the crucial role of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful change for promoting gender parity.

Musawa, during the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) in Lagos, said it had become important to tackle most of the challenges confronting women and girls, which limits their potential.

The theme of the programme is “Accelerate Action for All Women: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.”

According to the minister, collaboration is important considering the report by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) which revealed that women-owned businesses contribute $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy.

She said that women struggle to access capital for their business.

“Building a gender-equal future requires collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“We must go beyond conversations and take decisive and meaningful actions to bridge the gender gap in society.

“We must increase gender-lens, invest and create funding opportunities, specifically tailored for women entrepreneurs.

“We must also focus on building a sustainable future, where women are empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive,” she said.

Musawa commended the NGX for their remarkable effort in leveraging capital markets to channel resources into women-led businesses and gender-focused initiatives.

Also, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, NGX Group, said achieving gender equality demands deliberate and bold actions by the private sector, government, regulators, and the society at large.

Kwairanga noted that it was equally important for everyone to work together to ensure women gain easy access to capital, bearing in mind that an inclusive economy is a thriving one.

He said the NGX is determined to increase women participation in the Nigerian capital market through targeted investment in education programmes and the creation of mechanisms to track gender impact through aggregated data collection and analysis.

“At NGX Group, we live by example. Achieving gender equality demands deliberate and bold actions by the regulators, government, private sector, and society.

“When we accelerate progress for women, we accelerate progress for all. An inclusive economy is a thriving economy, and empowering women is a catalyst for the society,” he said.

Mr Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, appreciated all women rendering huge support to their gender within the NGX.

He saluted remarkable achievements by women generally and encouraged them to continue to support one another as a lot more could be achieved by the women folk.

Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director, Central Securities Clearing Systems (CSCS), called for male-female collaboration to build a harmonious and equitable society.

Speaking on how he was raised by values garnered from women, Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) urged men to respect, honour and take absolute care of the women folk.

Agama acknowledged women’s resilience, hardworking, and resourceful nature.

Also, Ms Chalya Shagaya, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Entrepreneurial Development, called for further collaboration between the NGX and government to expand investment for women.

Franca Chukwugor, Executive Commissioner, Legal and Enforcement Security and Exchange Commission, challenged women to equip themselves with the needed information to prosper.

Chukwugor advised women against engaging in ilegal investments but thirst after authentic financial knowledge.

Serah Ockman, Manager, Pre-Investment and Advisory Services, International Finance Corporation (IFC) advised women to prioritise investment.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunshola urged women to shun all form of social barriers they have been confronted with in order to further make remarkable impact in the society.

Ogunshola called for public-private partnerships channelled at creating an economic environment where women can access capital, grants needed, wealth creation.

Hilda Baci, Chief Executive Officer of Food by Hilda, admonished women not to desist from learning and teaching one another until the nation achieves an equitable society. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Foreign

IWD: Chinese Ambassador pledge cooperation with Nigeria to boost women empowerment

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Empowerment

By Sarafina Christopher

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai has affirmed China’s dedication in collaborating with Nigeria to enhance gender equality and promote women’s empowerment.

He made this pledge on Friday in Abuja during the “Her Story and Future” event marking the 115th International Women’s Day and 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration hosted by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with the Nigerian Ministry of Women Affairs.

The ambassador stressed the significance of the Beijing Declaration, a widely acknowledged blueprint for safeguarding women’s rights globally.

He said that the belief in gender not being a hindrance to humanity’s progress informed part of the decision for the crucial declaration.

Furthermore, he acknowledged women as the driving force behind both human advancement and economic growth.

He noted that with the backdrop of strengthened China-Nigeria relations, especially following President Bola Tinubu’s trip to China and participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, there was need to ramp up efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

“We would like to work with Nigeria to improve gender equality and also women empowerment

“We are keen on empowering Nigerian women through avenues like education, capacity enhancement, vocational training, and have already taken strides in this direction,” he stated.

He also listed successes such as a Nigerian female train conductor trained by the Chinese company CCECC and the rise of talented Nigerian female entrepreneurs in sectors like ICT, with whom China hopes to foster deeper collaboration.

Yu noted that China has underlined its commitment to gender equality through a robust legal framework encompassing over 100 laws and regulations aimed at safeguarding women’s rights.

Key achievements include an average life expectancy of nearly 81 years for Chinese women and the elimination of gender disparities in education.

Notably, women constitute 45 per cent of China’s workforce, and in the internet sector, female entrepreneurs surpass their male counterparts at 55 per cent.

He also highlighted the active involvement of women in the “Two Sessions” political meetings in Beijing, shaping national policies as representatives.

The Ambassador stressed that China’s strides in gender equality and women’s development not only underscore its human rights framework but also contribute significantly to global equality, development, and peace.

Yu expressed confidence that more Nigeria women would benefit from high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, allowing them to realise their aspirations and shape a prosperous future

Yu also extended warm greetings to women in Nigeria and worldwide, emphasising the United Nations theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.”

Mrs Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, lauded the resilience and bravery of women across history.

She emphasised the imperative of acknowledging and celebrating women’s contributions in science, business, the arts, and leadership for a future where education, equality, and empowerment are basic rights, not luxuries.

“As we honour the past, we must also commit to a future where education, equality, and empowerment are fundamental rights, not privileges,” she said.

NAN reports that the event attracted government officials, diplomats, and gender advocates who echoed the call for advancing women’s rights in Nigeria.(NAN)

Politics

Senate marks IWD, pledges 35% affirmative action in parliament

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By Naomi Sharang

The Senate, on Thursday, marked International Women’s Day with a commitment to ensure 35 per cent affirmative action for women in parliament.

The upper chamber also pledged to initiate legislation aimed at removing all barriers to the progress of women in the country.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the promise during a three-day event organised to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s celebration is “Economic and Political Inclusion: Walk the Talk.”

Akpabio vowed to ensure 35 per cent affirmative action for women in the National Assembly and throughout all governance processes.

“This commitment aligns with the country’s National Gender Policy (NGP) and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.”

He emphasised that lawmakers would work to remove all obstacles hindering the socio-economic progress of women and gender equality.

“We are discussing how women can have a solid presence, not only in the National Assembly but across the country.

“We will do all we can to promote gender equality in this country, even if it means amending or adjusting the 1999 Constitution.

“Credible evidence has shown that women are better managers worldwide.

“Sometimes, they can work harder than men. We must return to a time when women played key roles in all sectors of life, contributing to our collective progress and prosperity,” he said.

He also stressed the need to decisively address issues of sexual harassment and reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to promoting legislation that guaranteed 35 per cent affirmative action.

Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s support for women’s empowerment, noting the increased budget for the Ministry of Women Affairs.

“We have made significant progress as women in this country, with women now excelling in various sectors,” she said.

She urged women to continue working on initiatives that promote their progress and gender equality.

In her welcome address, Ms. Tabitha Sallah, Director of Administration, Office of the Senate Leader, lauded the National Assembly for its pro-women legislations.

She also called for swift action on the pending gender parity issues currently before both chambers.

The event was attended by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, and the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

General News

First Lady empowers 500 women in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday empowered 500 women with items such as refrigerators, gas cookers, electric generators, and industrial grinding machines in Niger.

 

Speaking at the ceremony in Bida, Tinubu said the programme was designed to equip women with necessary tools and resources to build successful businesses and contribute to national prosperity.

 

Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife of Niger Governor, said the programme was in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

 

She explained that the empowerment programme aimed to benefit 18,500 women across the six geopolitical zones.

 

She said the programme aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu of inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development for all Nigerians, particularly women’s economic empowerment.

 

She urged beneficiaries to use the items judiciously to start or grow their businesses, adding that the items were meant to serve as a foundation for creating better lives for them and their families.

 

In her remarks, Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, Commissioner for Small and Medium Enterprise, advised beneficiaries not to sell the items.

 

She commended the courage, bravery, and caring nature of Mrs Tinubu and the wife of Niger governor which has positively impacted the lives of many in the state.

 

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying the items would improve their means of livelihoods and help them become self-reliant. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

Economy/Business

ECA, AfCFTA to boost visibility of women, youths through e-commerce

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By Lucy Ogalue

Women and youth entrepreneurs in Nigeria will benefit from improved access to African markets following the validation of the Market Access Guide and E-Commerce Platform.

An Economist with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA), Mamudou Sebego, said this at the Nigeria African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Validation Workshop, in Lagos.

According to him, the entrepreneurs will gain visibility under the AfCFTA initiative.

“This event marks the third consultative engagement between the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, with support from the UN-ECA and Nigerian businesses, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of women and youths in cross-border trade.

“The platform and guide aim to simplify trade processes, enable visibility for products, and connect vendors with buyers across the continent.

“It is expected to address longstanding challenges such as logistics bottlenecks and difficulties with export documentation, which many small business owners have faced.”

Sebego added that the platform was designed to serve three key purposes: giving visibility to products, facilitating vendor-buyer matchmaking.and enabling cross-border transactions.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration among government agencies to ensure AfCFTA implementation.

“Registration, product verification, and customs documentation remain under the purview of various institutions such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Nigeria Customs Service.

“The e-commerce platform will not override regulatory processes but will integrate them over time.

“The goal is to simplify and eventually connect these processes online, but regulatory bodies will still play their role,”he said.

The Representative, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordinating Office, Franca Achimugu, expressed the country’s readiness to implement AfCFTA commitments.

“Nigeria has taken a significant step forward by participating in the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), a pilot phase of AfCFTA aimed at testing trade processes among willing and ready state parties.

“So, GTI allows countries that are ready to start trading and test the processes.

“Nigeria joined the GTI in June 2024 and successfully made its first shipment to Kenya in September, which arrived at its destination in December 2024,” she said.

Achimugu said that while the pilot shipment exposed gaps needing adjustments, Nigeria was  almost good and ready to go.

She said that the ultimate goal was to enhance the competitiveness of women and youth in the AfCFTA, noting that information was more important than money.

“This work is showing us where the opportunities are across Africa and what the requirements are for each market,” she  said.

Mrs Bukola Ajani, President, Association of Women in Fashion Tech, commended the initiative and expressed concerns about production cost.

“It will work similarly to platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, and business owners have expressed optimism about the project’s potential to reduce the burden associated with physically moving goods across borders.

“This will help us sell our products without travelling out of Nigeria. That is a major advantage, but concerns about production costs remain.

“Challenges such as high energy costs and currency devaluation still undermine competitiveness in the free trade market.

“With a little push and support, we are ready to showcase our products to Africa and beyond,”Ajani said.

Dr Blessing Irabor-Oza, National President, Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT), described the guide and platform as game-changing for women-led businesses.

“Some of our members are already exporting to the UK and US, but this will help many more women tap into the African market.

“The e-commerce platform will showcase our products and simplify payment systems,” she said.

She reiterated the potential for Nigerian products, particularly in the fashion and beauty sectors, to thrive under AfCFTA.

“Our African fashion and Shea butter products are in high demand globally, and with proper packaging and standards, we can compete with the best,” she added.

Mrs Margaret Adepetu, Women’s Coordinator for the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, also commended the initiative.

Adepetu said that while digital tools were helpful, addressing fundamental issues like the high cost of fuel and improving the value of the naira remained crucial.

“We can have all the platforms, but if the cost of fuel and electricity remains high, our products will still struggle to compete,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by representatives of government, stakeholders, entrepreneurs and partners. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Health

Menstruations: Stakeholders to empower women, provide health solutions

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By Ahmed Dantala

Her pride, other stakeholders in menstrual wellness have decided to empower women with confidence and freedom from stigma or period poverty.

 

They said this at a launch of a menstrual wellness app, “her pride: the pride of every girl”, on Saturday, in Abuja.

 

The event with the theme “empowering menstrual wellness: healthy cycle, healthy lives”.

 

Ms Anjolaoluwa Odunaike, product manager and team lead, her pride app, said women should be proud of their period and feel free to discuss it even among the male gender.

 

Odunaike however encouraged everyone to learn about menstrual health and be conversant with discussions that have to do with menstruation.

 

“In today’s world, a lot of ladies have menstrual health related issues and are usually shy or ashamed to talk about it.

 

“So, with Her pride, we are giving women the space, the opportunity, especially in Nigeria.

 

“It’s a community for women in Nigeria to be able to talk about their issues, their problems and empowered as the problems are being solved and not necessarily have to hide it anymore.

 

“In Nigeria here today, we have a lot of ladies who are used to the norms of waiting for their menstrual supprises to come, but with her pride, you can easily get notification about when your period will come, you are not necessarily surprised, you are ready for it.

 

Ms Lois Amele, Executive Director, Good tides Philippian Mission Foundation, expressed her readiness to collaborate and also urged the government to emulate the initiative by also partnering with the organisation.

 

“We would like to partner with this organisation

 

“I would say this is an opportunity where the government will have to come in and partner with this organisation and donate particularly to this organisation.

 

” They are not only assisting the people in the rural environment, but they are also doing a lot with the urban environment.

 

“So, I would say that, minister of women affairs, women affairs secretariat and every government bodies, we need to come together and push what is going down here in her pride.

 

Ms AbdulKareem Silifat, a corp member and participant at the event, said she grew up in a Muslim home as a lady, and that she could not really discuss anything about menstruation when the male gender were at home.

 

“Sometimes we are really feeling pains, they are there sending us to buy things or do things.

 

” Am really happy that there are people out there that really care about menstrual circles and are willing to take it a bit further and also educate people about it.”

 

The highlight of the event was the official launch of the “Her Pride App”.

 

NAN reports that, Her pride app is a platform that helps women track their menstrual period, mood and cycle flow.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Gender

NCWS elects new President, unveils empowerment Initiative

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By Justina Auta

Mrs Edna Azura has emerged as the new National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Azura will complete the late Hajiya Lami Adamu-Lau’s two-year tenure, following her passing on June 5, 2024.

During the inauguration, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, urged Azura to lead with fairness and dedication for the benefit of women across the country.

“Together, we can achieve so much. Women are already leading in many sectors, and there is no reason we cannot do even more for this nation.

“We will contribute to the progress and development of Nigeria by providing access to markets and finance, protecting our women and children, and giving them the support they need.

“We will also strengthen our response to child development and protection, ensuring that the vulnerable are well looked after,” she said.

On the new women empowerment initiative, Sulaiman-Ibrahim announced that it would provide financial support to women in the six geo-political zones.

This, she said will help them achieve economic independence amidst the current economic challenges.

According to her, N3.6m will be given to the North Central states; N3.1m to the Northeast; N3.1 Northwest states; N2.250m to Southeast.

”The South South will get N3.150m

while N2.7m will go to the South West states as part of the women empowerment initiative, ”she said.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, called the late Adamu-Lau an icon with a legacy of excellence.

While presenting a memorial magazine in honour of the late president, Benjamins-Laniyi urged women to emulate Adamu-Lau’s legacy and contribute to national development.

“In our transition, may we create legacies that are not just printed in magazines but etched as indelible footprints,” she said.

Mrs Geraldine Ita-Etuk, NCWS First Vice President and Acting President, thanked First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, NCWS Grand Patron, for her steadfast support for women.

Ita-Etuk highlighted the council’s efforts, saying: “We are giving three women per state N150,000 each to support and grow their businesses.

“We also want to see more women in politics and positions of authority”.

In her acceptance speech, Azura, the 16th NCWS President, pledged to uphold her predecessor’s legacy and champion women’s empowerment.

“I commit to working diligently to empower women, foster unity, and elevate NCWS to greater heights.

“Let us unite as one, fostering cooperation and collaboration among Nigerian women for a brighter and more prosperous future for ourselves and the nation,” she said.

Azura urged women to prioritise dignity, welfare, and empowerment while increasing their participation in governance.

She emphasised the importance of creating a legacy of strength and unity for future generations. (NAN)

www.nannews.ng

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kadiri Abdulrahman

General News

Advocacy group assesses IDPs education in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

High Level Women Advocacy (HiLWA) in Saturday visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Niger to assess the living conditions and education of the girl-child.

 

President of HiLWA in Niger, Hajiya Hassana Adamu, led a delegation to the IDPs camp at Central Primary School, Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that HILWA is a non-governmental organisation that sensitise rural communities on the importance of girl-child education.

 

Adamu explained that the visit was to assess the living standards and education of out-of-school children, particularly the female ones.

 

She said that HiLWA’s focused on promoting girl-child education, adding that the organisation was concerned about the lack of guidance and counselling for the girls.

 

She observed that the girls in the IDPs camp were not exposed to the importance of education, adding that HILWA would take the issue up with the state chairman of Universal Basic Education.

 

“Although we sensitised the girls on the benefits of education, there is need for alternative location for the IDPs instead of the school premises,” she said.

 

She added that the organisation also plans to advocate for the provision of guidance and counselling officers to educate the girls on the importance of education.

 

The Head Mistress of Central Primary School, Gwada, Mrs Justina Barde, said that the IDPs presence in the school premises was affecting the education of pupils.

 

She also highlighted the accommodation challenges, stating that six families, including males and females, live in a single classroom, posing a danger to the female children.

 

Some of the girls who spoke, Rita Iliya and Jennifer Nehemiah, expressed their desire to become a medical doctor and a tailor respectively, in spite of their irregular attendance at school.

 

NAN reports that the organisation presented items, including cartons of biscuits, detergents, soap, and bags of pure water, to the IDPs.

 

NAN also reports that the delegation includes female permanent secretaries, officials from the Adolescent Girls’ Child Education (AGILE) and the Niger state Child Rights Agency.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Gender

HIV: UN, ASWHAN unveil women empowerment project

383 total views today
By Justina Auta
 UNWomen and the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN) have unveiled an empowerment initiative for women living with HIV.
The organisations extended the gesture to other vulnerable groups, empowering them with life skills and start-up packs to enhance their economic independence.
Mrs Helen Akpan, Assistant National Secretary, ASWHAN, said this during a two-day training on Friday in Abuja.
She said the exercise would alleviate the current hardship faced by members and provide them with source of livelihood.
“We are training women living with HIV and other vulnerable women with skills acquisition for sustainability and to alleviate poverty.
“This will help in sustaining household livelihood for these women and their children, especially amidst the dwindling economy, which has overwhelmed a lot of people’s financial capacity.
“There is a need for them to have skills and economic empowerment, which will take care of their nutrition, drugs and other hospital services required,” she said.
She said that 50 women in the FCT would be exposed to poultry farming, ice block business and other skills, adding that start-up packs and equipments would be given to them to facilitate the training they acquired.
According to her, the women will be grouped into clusters to form a cooperative, to enable them to access loans and other services to more financially independent.
 “This is going to be extended to other states because we want to change the narratives for our members regarding depending on others. It is one of the causes of Gender Based Violence (GBV),” she said.
Mr Martin-Mary Falana, a Consultant, said the participants would also be empowered on identifying profitable business opportunities, innovative ideas for marketing and selling
He said they would  be trained on how to form and manage a Village Savings and Loan (VSLA).
Falana said the women would be able to lay their hands on things that can improve their livelihood, especially as they will be given startup equipment to fend for themselves.
“It will also improve their socio economic development and ensure that they earn what they can use to fend for themselves and their younger ones, children and wards.
“They will also be grouped to form committee that will assist them with the VSLA, where they can make contributions and then gather it to help one another.
“This will go a long way to alleviate poverty, generate income and make them self reliant,” he said.
He encouraged other stakeholders to support vulnerable groups, while urging the participants to remain strong.
 ”Living with HIV is not the end of life. HIV does not have anything to do with their brain. They can still use their hand to do a lot of businesses.
“They need help from other financial institutions to bring down the cost of  interest in accessing loan so that they can do something with their lives,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Stella Ebeh-Obianuju stressed the need to empower women living with HIV, to make them less vulnerable and victims of GBV.
Ebeh-Obianuju, who is also the Coordinator, Hope Initiative (Mother’s to mother Support group), said that, “if we are empowered, we will be able to stand on our own, train our children, live a healthy and productive life.
“I believe that after this empowerment training, and with support, we will be able to stand on our own and be financial dependent, not relying on anyone,” she  said.
Amina Mohammed, another beneficiary, said the initiative would make her independent, and provide for her family, especially amidst the current economy challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
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