The Federal Government on Wednesday empowered 500 women entrepreneurs and petty traders in Ebonyi with various tools to expand businesses and improve livelihoods.
The intervention was implemented in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It was also implemented through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), led by the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
Tinubu, represented by Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, wife of the Ebonyi Governor, said the programme was facilitated through the Office of the SSA to the President on SDGs.
She said the intervention aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, recognising women’s critical role in nation-building.
The First Lady described the beneficiaries as fortunate to participate in the empowerment programme.
According to her, access to appropriate tools and resources could enable women to transform their skills into sustainable income sources.
She said the intervention was designed to bridge existing gaps and support more women to build, grow and strengthen their businesses.
She urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment judiciously to achieve the programme’s objectives.
Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, said the initiative sought to expand economic opportunities for indigent women nationwide.
Orelope-Adefulire, represented by Mrs Ifeyinwa Ukaegbu, Director, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, said the empowerment would enable beneficiaries to generate income.
She said it would also help beneficiaries support their families and contribute to the development of their communities.
The presidential aide said Tinubu remained committed to providing women with practical support and resources to transform their skills into sustainable businesses.
According to her, the initiative has continued to support livelihoods and create opportunities for women to become economically self-reliant.
She said the empowerment tools included standard cooking gas, industrial grinding machines, deep freezers and generating sets, among others.
“We recognise women’s economic empowerment as an important accelerator of sustainable development.
“This intervention speaks to Sustainable Development Goal One, which seeks to end poverty, and Goal Five, which promotes gender equality,” Orelope-Adefulire said.
She commended women for their contributions to the economy and urged beneficiaries to utilise the equipment productively.
Mrs Nwifuru said the Ebonyi Government had aligned with the empowerment initiative to support women and improve their economic wellbeing.
Nwifuru, represented by Mrs Felicia Nwakpuma, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said the intervention would complement state government efforts.
She said the programme would contribute to improving the livelihoods and economic wellbeing of women across the state.
Two beneficiaries, Mrs Chinyere Nwode and Mrs Monica Ogbuji, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the First Lady for the gesture.
The petty traders pledged to use the equipment properly and productively to expand their businesses and improve their families’ livelihoods. (NAN)
