Minister of Works, Ebonyi First Lady, Others Laud Ohanivo Women Association for Floating Empowerment Scheme Less Than One Year Of Establishment
Minister of Works, Ebonyi First Lady, Others Laud Ohanivo Women Association for Floating Empowerment Scheme Less Than One Year Of Establishment
A non governmental organization (NGO), Ohanivo Women Association(OWA) has launched N100M empowerment funds to assist her members in becoming financially independent and contribute meaningfully to the development of the society.
Participating in the launch of the empowerment initiative christened “Thrift and Loan Scheme” which took place at Obiozara in Ohaozara council area, the Minister of Works, Sen David Nweze Umahi commended the women for taking a quantum leap by raising funds that would promote the welfare of her members and the society by extension.
The Minister represented by the immediate past commissioner for health, Dr Daniel Umezuruike also lauded the women of Ohanivo Federal constituency comprising the three local government areas of Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo for their industry, resilience and innovation stressing that they have set a commendable pace during the annual August meeting.
While pouring encomium on the women, the first lady of Ebonyi State, Chief Mrs Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru expressed satisfaction in the organisation of the program which came to fruition in less than one year the association was formed.
Chief Mrs Ogbonna Nwifuru who was represented by the commissioner for women affairs, Barrister Felicia Nwamkpuma further advised the women to continue to be exemplary in their various families and communities at large by being disciplined and supportive to their husbands stressing that the state government has numerous programs they could queue in for greater influence.
The member representing Ohanivo Federal constituency at the National Assembly, Dr Nkemkanma kama who promised to build a hall for the association said the importance of women in the advancement of humanity cannot be underestimated hence the need for all hands to be on the desk to help them achieve their lofty dreams and ideals.
Dr. Kama who was thrilled by the women’s performance and determination to make a difference in the federal constituency urged them to be relentless in pursuing their dreams of self realisation and improvement and as well community driven progress.
In her remarks, the National President of the association and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Education, Mrs Chinwe Lilian Nwachukwu appreciated the impressive turnout of the people noting that the “Thrift and Loan Scheme” is aimed at providing financial support to women entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The National President and brain behind the association formed in March this year, Mrs Nwachukwu said the initiative would help bridge the capacity and financial gap faced by women despite being the backbone of any prosperous society.
“Our objectives are to:
“Empower women economically through capacity building, skills acquisition, business support, commercial farming, export of goods and microfinance programs
“Promote women’s participation in politics and governance
“Improve women’s health and education
Support vulnerable women, girls and children
“Support community development programs
“Promote gender equality and women’s rights”.
“As we launch this empowerment fund, we recognise the importance of women’s economic empowerment in driving sustainable development. We believe that empowered women are the backbone of a prosperous society, and we are committed to creating opportunities for women to thrive”.
Highlights of the 2024 August meeting include lectures on Agriculture, Tuberculosis and HIV/Aids, children trafficking, free medical check-up and ambassadorial awards which were conferred on some personalities in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the progress of the society
While the theme of the event is “Women Empowerment: A key to prosperous future and sustainable development” some of the women also electrified the occasion through various entertainment displays such as match past and cultural dance.
