The Nation Newspaper

Tag: empowers

  • ARMTI empowers youth, rural women

    The Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute(ARMTI) is poised to boost rural development and reduce poverty through initiatives focused on empowering rural women and youth in agriculture.

    ARMTI’s Public  Relations Officer Mr. Mayowa Gidado said the institute was building the capacities of the rural poor to benefit from rural economies, with particular emphasis on ensuring that women and youth are engaged and empowered in food security.

    A statement by the institute  said it held a  training workshop for men, women and youth on agricultural produce management and marketing last month.

    The objectives of the workshop according to the statement, included sensitising farmers on agricultural commodity value chain development, formation and management of formidable commodity-based cooperative societies and possible ways to profitably market agricultural commodities.

    The two-day programme, which had a component of field practical, also held in all the geo-political zones. Each state was represented by a number of farmers nominated by the state Fadama office and the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP).

    To ensure a proper dissemination of the message of the workshop to large number of  farmers,  ARMTI decided to mount the programme on state-by-state level where participants  were drawn from all the local government areas (LGA).

    Last year, the programme  was implemented in Oyo and Ogun states on August 29 and 30, and 106 farmers were trained. It was also organised for Kwara and Kogi states on August 31 and September 1 and 93 farmers were trained.

    Eighty-eight farmers, including  54 from Imo State and 34 from Abia, were also trained between November 15 and 16, in Owerri, Imo State.

    This year, the programme was organised on April 6 and 7 for Gombe and Bauchi State farmers.

  • RCCG empowers over 200 women

    RCCG empowers over 200 women

    No fewer than 200 women in Lagos have received empowerment items as part of measures to alleviate poverty by The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Province 8.

    The presentation of the items was highlight of the 2017 Sisters conference of the province with the theme The King’s business.

    The three-day conference ended penultimate Saturday in Lagos.

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, presented the items, which include deep freezers, grinding machines, mixers, sewing machines, shoe and hat making materials.

    Wife of the Pastor in charge of the province, Mrs. Foluke Adeyokunnu, said the empowerment scheme was driven by the vision to ensure women don’t end up as beggars.

    “We believe it will enable our women fend for themselves and develop capacities to be of blessing to the church, community and their immediate families.”

    Pastor (Mrs) Wonuola Adetayo, in her presentation, said women must learn to fend for themselves instead of being dependants.

    Empowered women, according to her, will be able to deliver the King’s business better with urgency.

    The King’s business, she said, include teaching and preaching, counselling, being models of Christian character, financial support for God’s works and mission backup.

    She said churches must empower women spiritually, financially, mentally, professionally and politically to become the best and profit the nation.

    The Acting Lagos Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Adesoye, said women must become more involved in political process to proper representation and dividends.

    On why women must be empowered, she said: “There is no gain saying any more that the development of women is sine qua non for development of a nation.”

  • NGO empowers girls in four states with £7m

    A Non-Governmental Organisation, Mercy Corps, has empowered female adolescents from four states with £7 million.

    Country Director Iveta Ouvry, in a statement yesterday, said the initiative was funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and other donor partners, to create educational and economic opportunities for marginalised girls and young women in Nigeria, through its Educating Nigerian Girls in New Enterprises (ENGINE) initiative.

    According to her, ENGINE, in the last four years, had established 1,050 centers for academic and entrepreneurial training across Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Lagos States, where 14,030 out-of-school and 4,654 in-school girls are being supported.

    Ouvry noted that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have been partners in the project to enable proper monitoring and evaluation of its progress.

    The project is being extended by three years to cover other parts of the country.

    Her words: “Since 2013, ENGINE has established over 1,050 learning spaces where young women meet for academic support and entrepreneurship training sessions over a nine-month period.

    “The project supported 14,030 out-of-school girls and expands their businesses of choice; facilitated school retention for 4,654 girls who have maintained passing grades.

    “Together, Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) and DFID have invested £7 million in the implementation of ENGINE. The investment is part of the UK’s Girl-Education Challenge and NBC’s 5 by 20 initiative, which seeks to enable the economic empowerment of five million female entrepreneurs across the globe in its value chain by 2020.

    “In partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), 11,360 girls were registered for electronic identification cards and over 8,000 financially excluded girls now participate in the formal banking system.

    “The second phase will begin with the extension of the project for another three years and extended to the south.”

    Legal Public Affairs and Communication Director of NBC Sade Morgan said the firm partnered Mercy Corps by providing financial education, logistics trade assets and mentorship, to sustain the vision.

  • Agency empowers 85 orphans with skills

    Eighty-five orphans and vulnerable children are being trained in various skills for sustainable living, the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AK-SACA), has said.

    Its Programme Manager, Dr. Nkereuwem Etuk, made this known in Uyo, the state capital at the meeting of the state working technical group on Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and AIDS (PMTCT).

    At the meeting, during the week, Etuk said the training was in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, adding that the beneficiaries were trained on skills such as hairdressing, fashion design and catering.

    He said that the training was supported by the World Bank and the trainees would be equipped with starter packs at the end of the exercise in February.

    Etuk said that AK-SACA had formed eight youth-friendly clubs in collaboration with the state Ministry of Youth and Sport on how to stay safe from HIV and AIDS infection.

    He explained that the collaboration with the ministry was targeted at out-of-school-youths, while a similar partnership with the state Ministry of Education was directed at youths and young people in schools.

    The programme manager added that the agency was also  collaborating with some civil society organisations on the uptake of ante natal services by pregnant women in some local government areas.

    The HIV and AIDS Programme Manager, state Ministry of Health, Dr. Ibia Ibia, called for effective engagement of clergymen and opinion leaders in the prevention of HIV and AIDS infection in the state.

    He noted that clergymen, especially in the rural areas have great influence on their members and could help  their behaviour.

    Ibia stated that the 2014 national survey on HIV and AIDS prevalence in Nigeria had placed the state at 10.8 per cent.

    He said the state would conduct its own AIDS indicator survey soon, pleading with all stakeholders to collaborate to scale down the prevalence rate of the scourge.

  • Lawmaker empowers residents

    Lawmaker empowers residents

    As part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic recession, the Senator representing Ondo Central District, Chief Tayo Alasoadura has provided various empowerment facilities for the people of his constituency. The aim was to make them become economically self-reliant.

    Alasoadura’s supporters in the three local government areas of Akure South, Ifedore and Akure North benefitted from the phase one of the empowerment scheme.

    However, the remaining three local government areas namely Ondo East, Idanre and Ondo West would benefit from the empowerment programme during the phase two of the scheme in few weeks’ time.

    Among the items distributed were 11 assorted cars, 20 tricycles, 228 motorcycles, 89 grinding machines, 24 automatic sewing machines and 68 manual sewing machines and N2 million cash.

    Besides, Alasoadura granted scholarship to five post-graduates and PhD students who are studying petroleum-related courses in various universities.

    Speaking at the event, the lawmaker said the gesture was informed by his commitment to reduce the effect of the harsh economic conditions that Nigerians are experiencing.

    He said: “Regardless of what has happened in the past, our government has the responsibility of cushioning the effects of the past bad governance which affected our people.”

    Senator Alasoadura, who is Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) said it was the situation that motivated him to contribute his quota towards assuaging the sufferings of his constituents and to appreciate their loyalty and support.

    He said the next phase of the programme would focus more on vocational and trade empowerment that would teach the people the art of catching the ‘proverbial fish’ after touching the remaining three local governments of Idanre, Ondo East and Ondo West with similar empowerment.

    At the event, both the governor-elect, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladelusi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) state Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke praised Senator Alasoadura’s generosity.

    They described the Senator as a grassroots politician who has been impacting on the life of his supporters and others in many ways. They urged him not to relent.

    Beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme were advised to make good use of the facilities in order to lift their respective families from the present hardship.

    The beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation to Senator Alasoadura for his kindness, promising to give him their support at all times.

  • Senator Tinubu empowers 650 widows with N16m

    Senator Tinubu empowers 650 widows with N16m

    The senator representing the Lagos Central, Mrs Oluremi  Tinubu, has announced a donation of N16, 250,000 to 650 widows who are residents of the district.

    Tinubu, who disclosed this at the 19th town hall meeting with members of her senatorial district yesterday, said that the beneficiaries would receive N25,000 each on Tuesday  under the  Widow’s Economic Empowerment Scheme (WESS), her constituency initiative. The meeting with the theme: “Redefining Democracy through Service” was held at Banilux Event Centre, Sabo, Yaba.

    She said the amount is to boost the existing business or start business in order to be self-reliant and provide for the families. According to her, the disbursement of the grant will take place at our 13 LCDAs on Tuesday , September 27, at 9.00 am prompt. Beneficiaries should go to the council secretariats where they applied with identity cards.

    Prior to yesterday’s meeting, the senate chairperson on Environment said: “We have been able to execute some of our constituency initiatives”.  One of such, she said “was the disbursement of scholarships to all the 26 beneficiaries of the Post-Secondary Scholarship Scheme (PSSS) in our senatorial district which took place on Wednesday, 31 August ,2016. Th e accounts of all beneficiaries were credited with N100,000 each for the next academic year.

    “On 1st September 2016, our women leaders in the senatorial district were not left out. In order to boost their businesses, each of our women leaders was presented with grinding machines and 2.5 KVA generator; while 14 of our youth nominated by them, that are into fashion designing, were presented with sewing machines and generators for the Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Scheme (YESAS) programme”.

    She also reported that the 6th edition of under 12 and 15 boys and girls Muniru  Muse Cup sponsored by her office  took place on 21st August, 2016 at the Campos Mini Stadium, Ajele, Lagos.

    Tinubu told her audience that “the theme for today’s meeting is apt, especially at a time when Nigeria is faced with imminent threat of recession. We as good citizens are called to a common cause of patriotism, sacrifice and understanding.

    She used the platform to explain the difference between constituency projects and programmes initiated by legislators. According to her, it was true she facilitated some projects to her senatorial district  in the 7th Senate, saying if the projects were not completed, it was due to impropriety of the Goodluck Jonathan administration. “ I should not be held responsible, I did not collect money for the execution of constituency projects, I don’t even know the contractors”, she said.

    On the economy, the senator said the current situation in Nigeria calls for sober reflection. She noted that the issue at the front burner of political debate in Nigeria today is diversification and restructuring of Nigeria.

    According to her, what Nigeria needs is diversification. “For instance, if Nigeria can successfully diversify into agriculture, tourism, technology, manufacturing and sports, we will be on our way to economic recovery and agitation for geographical restructuring will fizzle out.

    “Meaningful and well-funded diversification is a sure foundation for fiscal restructuring, as sharing anticipated resources will always bring deficit, anxiety, agitation, political suspicion and under development. Diversification plus fiscal restructuring will lead Nigeria to become a developed nation”, she said.

    The Deputy Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon Wasiu Sani-Eshinlokun, commended Senator Tinubu for her generosity towards members of her senatorial district and quality representation.

    The dignitaries in attendance included the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos Central Senatorial District, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; the Oba of Lagos,  Rilwan  Akinolu, represented by Chief Opeoluwa; the  traditional ruler of Igbobi-Sabe, Oba Adesiyan Adeniyi; former Secretary to Lagos State Government, Chief Aro Lambo; Hon Oyinlomo Danmole, Hon Mutiu Are,  Hon Yakubu Balogun and Sole Administrator, Yaba Local Council Development Area, Hon Bayo Adefuye.

  • BankOne empowers 250 MfBs

    A leading information technology (IT) platform for Micro Finance Banks, (MfBs) BankOne, has announced the signing up of its 250th client.

    The platform, which was launched by software company, AppZone in 2011, is designed to achieve end-to-end automation of financial institution operations while exposing core services to end customers through multiple alternative channels nationwide including automated teller  machines (ATMs), point of sale (PoS) terminals, internet, mobile phones, commercial bank branches and independent agents.

    Its  Group Head, Business Development MrAdelanaAdewusi,  said:  “We are very happy about this milestone, we are proud of BankOne and are grateful to our customers. We will continue to deploy this great product of ours until we are represented in every country of the continent and have thereby enabled the much needed transformation in Africa’s budding MfB sector.”

    The company believes that 250 MfBs across the country on its platform further positions the firm’s platform to achieve one of its key goals which is to enable the entire microfinance industry segment remain competitive, achieve rapid growth, operate profitably, and make significant economic impact.

    Built for the African environment, the platform is deployed centrally as a shared service on secure cloud infrastructure to manage operations and enable alternative service delivery channels for small retail banks and microfinance institutions. BankOne provides its financial institution customers with a world class core banking solution, and an electronic financial transaction platform in partnership with electronic payment providers. It also provides financial institutions with complete and tailor-made automation of operations at an affordable rate, and minimal requirement for IT infrastructure and expertise.

  • Foundation empowers youths

    Foundation empowers youths

    The Sarah Adebisi Sosan, (SAS) Foundation plans to give soft loans to youths in Irewe riverine community  of Lagos State.

    The initiative, which is anchored on the SAS new project, tagged: “Training for Rural Economic Development (TRED)”, held a two-day empowerment programme for Irewe youths.

    According to the Public Relations Officer of the Foundation, Mrs. Hameedat Balogun, the session had over 200 participants from the community.

    She said participants were trained on various empowerment schemes, which included how to produce liquid soap, body cream, shoes and bags and mosquito repellants.

    Balogun explained that the project was aimed at giving additional sources of income to the youth in the community aside their traditional fishing and mat making job.

    She said to further encourage the youths, the Foundation will also grant the youth soft loans to start their own small scale businesses.

    Some of the participants expressed gratitude to SAS for extending its activities to the community.

    A beneficiary, Temitope Oyefolu, said the scheme is a way of lifting the people out of poverty by enriching their lives through self empowerment.

    She thanked the founder of SAS, Princess Adebisi Sarah Sosan, for giving back to her community.

  • Church empowers 500 youths

    No fewer than 500 youths have benefitted from series of empowerment programmes organized by the Dominion  Harvest International  Ministry, a  newly established pentecostal church based in Lagos.

    The beneficiaries were last Sunday issued with certificates and prayed for during the inauguration of the church held at the main auditorium of Lagos State University.

     In a chat with newsmen, the general overseer of the church,  Pastor Abiodun Oso, said the gesture was a mandate from God. “One thing that God spoke to me about is empowering people. When you are generous towards people, they will be generous towards God. It is not only prayi ng for people that transform the lives of the people, you need to also empower them. When you combine the two, there will be a great change in the lives of the people. We organized various empowerment programmes and trained over 500 people mostly youths free of charge. The second phase has commenced.

    “We are starting an entrepreneur school very soon to teach people how to do business. Our concern will be for them to be able to turn the skill into wealth as we have plans to give them  interest free loans to start business. Interested persons will  only need to  go thyrough our school to benefit from this and it is free of charge.”

    Explaining he received the call to start the church,  he said: “ By the grace of God, I have been going to church right from my childhood but  I gave my life to Christ  in November 1989. The calling to start l came actually in March 2014 in the city of Jos when I was attending African Mission Conference.

  • Lagos empowers 400 intending retirees

    THE Lagos State Government has empowered 400 of its workers due for retirement from the Unified Local Government Service Commission in different vocations.

    The five-day pre-retirement workshop, which ended last Friday at Digital Village in Alausa, Ikeja, was designed to prepare the retiring staff for financial independence and life in retirement.

    Government Service Commission chairman Mr. Babatunde Rotinwa lauded the Governor Akinwunmi for his leadership style, especially his concern for the retirees.

    He stressed that the workshop was one of the avenues conceptualised by the present administration to compensate members of staff for their contributions in their various duty posts.

     “It is a better way to reward you as you move forward to this phase of life after all the scarifies you have made towards the development of the grassroots in particular and for not being found guilty of inefficiency in the system while also encouraging those still in active service to imbibe the spirit of hardwork,” he said.

    The chairman said introduction of the pre-retirement workshop was an addition to the usual annual Long Service Award because government places much premium on a good life after retirement for its entire staff.

    He assured the retiring officials to keep their faith high believing that “when a door closes, another one opens”, adding that retirement can only be a last frontier of a distinguished and illustrious career.

    Permanent Secretary of Local Government, Establishments Training and Pensions Office, Mr. Oluwatoyin Onisarotu said the gesture further shows that the government does not undermine the contribution of its staff regardless of their levels.

     Participants, he said, would also be exposed to how they can manage life at old age, processes and procedures for accessing retirement benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme among other practical and theoretical lessons.

    The Permanent Secretary urged those who has long years more in the service to always remember that ‘no matter how long , twenty years shall one day become tomorrow’, adding that every staff should start preparing for retirement right from the point of entry into the service.

    Lagos State Pensions Commission (LASPEC) Director-General Mrs Folasade Onanuga, assured the participants that the government is better positioned towards making retirement benefits accessible to retirees than it used to be.

    She urged the participants to assist in making the process of accessing their benefits less cumbersome by doing necessary documentation at least six months before their exit from the service which is in accordance to the establishing law.