By Uche Onyeali
National Council for Women Societies, NCWS, yesterday kicked off a nationwide training for indigent Nigerian women and widows who would eventually be empowered with starter packs.
In her welcome address at the phase one of the training which commenced in Abuja yesterday, national president of NCWS, Princess Edna Azura said the project marked a significant milestone in council’s commitment to empowering women and promoting economic development in Nigeria.
Azura noted that the training was in line with the commitment of the first lady, Senator Olufemi Tinubu, who is also the grand patron of the council, to empowering Nigerian women through the Renewed Hope agenda of the president.
According to her, “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.”
She disclosed that participants in the training programme would undergo comprehensive training sessions on the production of oil perfumes, germicides, and antiseptics.
Azura also informed that the training sessions would be conducted by experienced facilitators and would 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.
“But our support doesn’t end there. We are committed to providing post-training mentorship and support to our participants, to ensure that they have the guidance and resources needed to succeed in their businesses,” she disclosed.
The NCWS leader thanked their partners, donors and supporters whom she said made the programme possible.
She urged the participants to take full advantage of the opportunity by paying attention to all the rudiments of the training, as well as boldly asking questions where necessary.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim said the initiative builds on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the Renewed Hope Initiative of the first lady.
Hajiya Suleiman-Ibrahim observed that women’s empowerment remained a priority for Nigeria, noting that through the National Women’s Economic Empowerment, WEE, Policy, Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP, there had been an expansion of support to 30 states with the intent to impact hundreds of thousands of women entrepreneurs. “These initiatives provide financial access, skills training, and business opportunities, ensuring women can thrive.
“Beyond economic empowerment, we are strengthening family social cohesion, enhancing care for the elderly, and improving orphanage operations to protect vulnerable children.
“This initiative, led by NCWS, aligns with our broader strategy to equip women with practical skills for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods,” she said, urging the beneficiaries to use the resources to build a better future for themselves, families and communities.
A total of 50 individuals were empowered at the commencement of the training, which is planned to go round the entire states of the federation.
