By Laraba Murey
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the National Council for Women Societies, NCWS, has officially flagged off a nationwide women empowerment training and starter pack presentation aimed at providing widows and indigent women with skills and resources for economic self-reliance.
Speaking during the event on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by her Special Adviser, Technical Women’s Affairs and Community Engagement, Jummai Idonije, emphasized the government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment as a core pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“Women’s empowerment is a priority for Nigeria. Through the National Women’s Economic Empowerment, WEE, Policy and the Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP, we are expanding financial access and skills training across 30 states to uplift women entrepreneurs,” the Minister stated.
She further noted that beyond economic empowerment, efforts are also being made to strengthen social cohesion, enhance elderly care, and improve support systems for vulnerable children.
She urged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods.
“To our beneficiaries, this is your opportunity to use these resources to build a better future for yourselves, your families, and your communities.
“The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs remains committed to supporting and scaling such impactful programs.”
In her welcome address, National President of NCWS, Edna Azura, described the empowerment initiative as a milestone in the organization’s long-standing commitment to uplifting Nigerian women.
“Participants will undergo training in the production of oil perfumes, germicides, and antiseptics. Upon completion, they will receive starter packs and certificates to enable them to start their businesses,” she said.
She assured that NCWS would not only train but also provide post-training mentorship to ensure the success of beneficiaries in their entrepreneurial journey.
“This initiative is designed to equip widows and indigent women with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to start their own businesses and improve their socio-economic status.
“The participants will undergo comprehensive training sessions on the production of oil perfumes, germicides, and antiseptics. These training sessions will be conducted by experienced facilitators and will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of the production process.
“Upon completion of the training, each participant will receive a starter pack containing all the necessary materials and equipment to start their own business. We will also present certificates of participation to our trainees, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.”
Azura further called on partners and donors to sustain their support, stressing that expanding the initiative across all states in Nigeria would have a far-reaching impact on women’s economic empowerment.
A participant, Devine Ahoa, while expressing her appreciation to the organizers, said the training and starter pack will help her start off her own business.
