Nation

Kogi Reaffirms Support For PLWDs

Published

2 years ago

November 12, 2021

The Kogi State Government yesterday reaffirmed its support for the physically challenged and other people living with disabilities in the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Wemi Jones, gave the assurance when a group from Advocacy for Women with Disability Initiatives (AWWDI), visited him in his office in Lokoja.
Jones urged the group to believe in themselves and in abilities embedded in their disabilities, describing them as a “Special People”.
“I will refer to you as special people and not people with disabilities, so, I have a natural attachment to you.
“Let me also let you know that His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello, is also very passionate about special people,” he said.
He reiterated that the governor remained so much passionate about women, children and special people, saying “we don’t have a choice, I don’t have a hidden place; I must associate and identify with you.”
He assured them of the ministry’s total support and promised that their requests would be properly looked adding that they would be duly informed of the ministry’s activities and be carried along.
Jones further enjoined the group to see themselves as people with no deformity or disability, saying, “you have got no issue whatsoever because it is in the mind; don’t allow yourselves to be pitied but believe in yourselves.
“Believe that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you because God has a purpose for that, so, you must continue to see yourselves as champions.”
Earlier in her speech, the State Coordinator of AWWDI, Miss Queen Christopher, said they were women with disabilities who advocate for total inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in Kogi.
She urged the ministry to involve the group in any of its developmental and educational activities that concern young girls.
“We also want you to include us in your scholarship programmes as we have lots of girls with disabilities who have the dreams to be educated but are limited due to financial constraints.
“We want you to use your good offices to advocate for inclusive education to help us break some barriers as concern the education of people with disabilities in Kogi State.
“We would also want you to consider some of us to be employed into viable positions in your ministry any time recruitment exercise takes place,” she said.
Christopher appealed for a continuous engagement with the commissioner so as to be part of the group’s goal in promoting and advocating for total inclusion of women and girls with disability in all aspects of life’s development.

Nation

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

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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.