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The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), in its continued efforts to empower women, especially widows and indigent women across Nigeria, has launched a nationwide empowerment training for women.
The Women Empowerment Training and Starter Packs Presentation took place at the headquarters of the NCWS Tuesday in Abuja.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, represented by her Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Princess Jumai Idonije, expressed pride in the program.
She noted its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national development through the empowerment of women.
Princess Idonije underscored the importance of women’s economic independence as a cornerstone for sustainable development.
According to her, “This initiative is a crucial step in advancing women’s economic independence. Through this program, we aim to provide women with essential skills and resources to not only sustain their livelihoods but also contribute meaningfully to national progress.
It should be noted that this event is part of the broader National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy, which includes the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP). Launched in 2023, these initiatives have already extended their support to 30 states, impacting thousands of women entrepreneurs across the nation. This initiative aims to build on this progress by ensuring women have access to financial resources, skill-building opportunities, and entrepreneurial support.
In her welcome address, the NCWS National President, Princess Edna D.D. Azura, reiterated the organization’s commitment to equipping women with practical skills that would enhance their socio-economic status and contribute to societal development.
Azura revealed that fifty women were initially empowered through this program in Abuja, with plans to extend the initiative to other parts of the country.
She lauded the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering support for the empowerment of Nigerian women.
“We believe that empowering women is the key to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential. Today’s program is designed to provide widows and indigent women with skills in the production of oil perfumes, germicides, and antiseptics—skills that will enable them to create sustainable businesses and uplift their families,” Princess Azura remarked.
Speaking to the media, a renowned community development expert, Dr. Ejike Oji, praised the program for its focus on skill development, rather than temporary relief measures.
Oji said, “The true measure of empowerment is in giving women the tools to act for themselves. This initiative does just that. It provides women with the skills and resources to build their own businesses, thereby ensuring long-term self-sufficiency.”
He further highlighted the importance of empowering women as a way to strengthen families and communities. “An empowered woman is an invaluable asset to society. She contributes not only economically but also socially by making informed decisions that benefit her family and her community,” Dr. Oji noted.
Several participants at the event expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. One of the beneficiaries, Divine Ahuwa, who was selected to participate in the training, shared her excitement about the prospects of starting her own business with the skills she would gain.
“This program has opened a new chapter for me. With the starter pack I’ve received, I’m ready to start my own business. It’s a chance to make a real difference in my life and the lives of those around me,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Rose Obuche, expressed her gratitude for the program, stating that it would not only improve her own life but also enable her to help others in her community. “This empowerment means so much to me. It’s an opportunity to learn and then extend that knowledge to others, thereby helping to uplift those around me,” she said.
The training sessions, which will be facilitated by experienced trainers, are comprehensive, covering both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience in manufacturing consumer products. After the training, each participant will receive a starter pack containing materials to help them begin their entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, certificates of participation will be awarded to the trainees as recognition of their hard work.
The initiative also promises to provide post-training mentorship to ensure that participants receive the support needed for continued success in their new ventures. Princess Azura emphasized that this initiative is not only about training but about creating a sustainable cycle of empowerment, where women can support each other and their communities.
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