Nation

Lafia Cargo Airport Ready This Year – Dep Gov

Published

3 years ago

March 29, 2021

The Nasarawa state Government says its multi-billion Naira cargo airport, under construction near Lafia, the state capital, would be delivered before the end of the year.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, disclosed this to newsmen when he conducted the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on tour of the airport.
The minister was at the airport site, on the sidelines of his two-day visit to Nasarawa to inspect Farin Ruwa Waterfalls, to showcase its tourism and investment potentials.
Addressing newsmen on the entourage of the minister, the deputy governor said former Gov. Tanko Almakura, started the airport, but was taken up as a priority project by the current administration.
“This airport is one of the priority projects that we believe we should complete, even though building an airport is quite expensive and costing us a lot of money.
“Hopefully, in the next few months we will have a control cabin brought in and installed and when that is done we will have other aeronautical devices in place.
“The runway is 2,2km but our plan is to extend it to 2.5km so that we can have all kinds of cargo planes land here.
“On May 29, 2019, the first flight landed here and since then other planes had landed.
“We believe that before the end of the year, we will open the airport fully for operations,’’ he said.
The deputy governor said the airport was conceived to boost the economy of the state and serve as an alternative to the airport at the Federal Capital Territory.
Corroborating Akabe, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Phillip Dada, said the airport was conceived to be cargo because of the predominant agricultural nature of the economy of the state, as well as its solid minerals endowment.
“The thinking is that a cargo airport should be built to enable farmers, investors and businessmen evacuate their produce, materials and products to markets outside the state.
“We also have the plan to make the airport available for other schedules particularly domestic flights, while we are hoping that by God’s grace it will be upgraded in due course for even international flights,’’ he said.
The commissioner, who said the project started five years ago, also reassured that it would be completed by the end of the year.
The minister congratulated the state government on the airport, noting that investing in such a project was a wise decision and critical to the economic development of the state.

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.