Nation

Insecurity: Envoy Tasks Women On Peace, Unity

Published

3 years ago

August 25, 2021

The Ambassador for Peace of the United Nations Rescue Services (UNRS), Mrs Victoria Ozioko,  has urged women   to  be instruments of peace, love and unity in order to end insurgency in the country.
She made the call in an interview with newsmen, yesterday in Abuja.
Ozioko, who is also the founder of Skills for Survival Initiative, said that women were central to peace building in any society and should deliberately initiate narratives that would foster peace, love and unity among Nigerians.
According to her, women and girls are the worst affected by insurgency and humanitarian crisis across the country, with many of them being displaced, raped  and assaulted.
She, however, lamented that many women sit back and watch while their sons and husbands engage in vices that threaten the peace and security of lives and properties in the society.
“Women are home builders and are natural peace-builders, so they should not fold their hands and watch our society turned upside down.
“As women, we have to take a stand and tell our husbands, sons and brothers that enough is enough, and that the right thing must be done for us to have peace.
“In all of these crisis we are facing as a nation, women and children are the most vulnerable, so we must rise up and speak.
“However before we can become instruments of peace, we must love one another and speak with one voice as women,” she said.
Ozioko noted that the alarming rate of moral decadence among young persons, was  largely because of inadequate parental discipline.
She therefore urged women to instill discipline and values in their children while they are  still young to enable them grow up as responsible adults and assets to society at large.
“I remember when we were growing up as children, a neighbour could spank you if they see you doing something bad but today it is no longer possible.
“So parents, especially mothers should stand up and take charge of their children so that they won’t grow up to become instruments of insecurity to society.
“As an ambassador for peace, it is expected of me to foster peace among everybody, especially women, and that is why I promote any initiative that will bring peace.
“That is why the skills for survival initiative is committed to women empowerment over these years, because when mothers are empowered they can play their roles effectively,” she said.
The UNRS ambassador  added that her NGO Skills for Survival  was working towards launching  a talk show “ Peace Arena” for the promotion of the message of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

Nation

VCDF in Partnership with LDSVA Sensitise Women on Gender Equality, Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Women, the pillars of our society, are resilient and determined as they play essential roles in nurturing families and leading businesses. Despite facing challenges like limited financial resources and unequal opportunities, they persist, inspiring generations and driving positive change.

In honour of Women’s History Month, Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), embarked on a transformative journey to empower 100 community women, focusing on sexual and domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, on March 27, 2024, in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State.

When women are empowered, they become catalysts for progress, influencing not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and those around them. The programme gave the women the opportunity to acquire knowledge on tools that can help their businesses grow, also providing a safe space for women to learn and connect with others, making them feel more confident and capable in making decisions for their businesses.

Distinguished guests present at the event were Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi, Head of the Field Operations Department, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA), Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat, Community Development Committee Chairman of Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State, and Mrs. Adenike Akintoye, Head of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Unit, Eti Osa LGA.

While giving her feedback, Chief Mrs. Eletu-Odibo Wasilat said, “community-driven efforts like this initiative are instrumental in driving sustainable change and enabling women to realise their full potential.”

Mrs. Bello Oluwakemi noted during her closing remark, “training women in our communities will improve their livelihoods and contribute to household income, thereby leading to better standards of living.”

This collaborative initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), which aim to ensure everyone is treated equally and reduce differences between people.

VCDF will continue to educate and empower women for a greater inclusion in society, supporting their advancement and ensuring their meaningful participation in all spheres of life. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of women, celebrate their achievements, and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for all.

Nation

Ibom Developers Supports 160 Women with Skill Acquisition Training in Akwa Ibom

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2024

The Tide

Empowering women with vocational skills is a vital step towards fostering gender equality and inclusive growth in society. This effort involves equipping women with practical expertise that can be applied across various aspects of life, including professional, personal, and entrepreneurial settings. Ibom Developers’ recent initiatives to provide skill acquisition training to women in its host communities aim to help them thrive in society.

On April 8, 2024, Ibom Developers commenced its ongoing skill acquisition training programme, themed ‘Virtuous Women’ in Egwenwe and Okoroinyong communities.
Dignitaries, including His Royal Highness Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community; Mr. Warribo Isaiah, Community Development Chairman, Egwenwe Community; Pastor Johnson Christian Ubulom, Youth President, Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community; Mrs. Sarah Evans Nfeija, Health Officer, Egwenwe Community; and representatives from Okoroinyong community, were present at the inaugural event.

This skill acquisition programme aims to empower 160 women in these communities with expertise in catering, packaging, hairdressing, wigging, ventilation, and styling. The program took place from April 8 to April 20, 2024, at Egwenwe Town Hall and Okoroinyong Town Hall in Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, imparting essential entrepreneurial skills to the women in the communities.

During the inaugural event, Chief Johnson J. Osiba (Ijongo IV), the Okaama of Egwenwe Community, expressed, ‘‘This empowerment initiative will provide our women with the autonomy and decision-making power they need to become self-sufficient contributors to the growth and development of our community.’’

The participation of women in several economic activities makes their upliftment a potent strategy for economic growth. Their involvement expands the workforce, cultivating heightened innovation and efficiency within the community.

Mrs. Catherine Monday Ogbofork, Women Leader of Egwenwe Community, emphasised, “Access to training tailored to the needs of women allow them to develop specialised skills. I am glad that this programme has offered options that suit our women’s preferences and goals.’’

Acquiring skills for livelihood elevates family status and unlocks entrepreneurial avenues. Ibom Developers is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among women and supporting socio-economic empowerment in local communities.