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Tag: women

  • Celebrating the resilience of Nigerian women

    Celebrating the resilience of Nigerian women

    SIR: Nigeria is grappling with skyrocketing inflation. Prices have now reached unprecedented levels, with essential goods, particularly food, almost doubling in the past year.

    Amidst this challenging landscape is the Nigerian woman. It’s the women who are bearing the brunt of this economic turmoil. It is the women who are at the forefront, tirelessly working to hold their families together. Every Nigerian woman deserves a medal and bag of rice this season.

    Today, March 8, as we commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) we must spare a thought for the Nigerian woman. Globally, IWD is a day when people worldwide come together to envision and advocate for a gender-equal world, devoid of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. This year, it should be a great time to remember the Nigerian woman.

    IWD 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible resilience and strength displayed by Nigerian women in the face of adversity. Despite the overwhelming pressures of inflation, they continue to navigate through the storm, employing ingenious strategies to ensure the well-being of their families.

    At the heart of every household, women are the pillars of strength, the silent heroes who work tirelessly to stretch every naira and kobo to its limit. They meticulously plan meals, scour markets for the best deals, and ingeniously repurpose resources to make ends meet. Their resourcefulness and unwavering determination are commendable, serving as a beacon of hope amidst economic uncertainty.

    While Nigerian women have proven their resilience time and again, they must now receive the support and empowerment they deserve, especially during these trying times. We must look at immediate and long-term initiatives to empower and uplift Nigerian women.

    The best place to start today is social interventions. By social interventions, I’m thinking of immediate and orderly distribution of food items, particularly nutritious ones, to women in need. This can involve establishing and or funding existing food banks or community kitchens that provide essential food items to women facing food insecurity. Additionally, educational programs on nutrition and cooking could accompany these initiatives to empower women to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

    Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, was in the news recently about plans to engage the services of canteens locally known as “mama put” to feed between 1,000 to 1,500 residents daily in each of the LGAs of the state. It must prioritize women.

    Secondly, access to funds and grants is pivotal in providing Nigerian women with the financial resources to start businesses, expand existing ventures, or invest in education and training. Government and non-governmental organisations can play a crucial role in facilitating access to these opportunities by implementing targeted funding schemes and grant programs specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs and small business owners.

    Read Also: IWD: AHF Nigeria tasks stakeholders on equitable, inclusive world for women

    Providing women with access to microfinance and credit facilities can enable them to invest in income-generating activities or cope with unexpected expenses. By facilitating access to grants and affordable credit, women can seize opportunities for economic advancement and weather financial shocks more effectively. Deposit Money Banks (MDB), microfinance institutions and fintechs must now move beyond rhetoric.

    Additionally, in an increasingly digital world, digital skills are indispensable for economic participation and empowerment. Building the digital skills capacity of Nigerian women is essential in equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital economy. Training programs focused on digital literacy, computer proficiency, and online entrepreneurship can empower women to leverage digital technologies for business innovation, marketing, and e-commerce.

    Moreover, initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide, such as providing access to affordable internet connectivity and digital infrastructure can ensure that women have equal opportunities to access information, education, and economic opportunities online.

    Furthermore, creating and strengthening social support networks for women can foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual assistance. Community-based initiatives such as savings groups, cooperative societies, and women’s associations can provide women with a platform to access resources, share experiences, and advocate for their needs collectively.

    • Elvis Eromosele, Lagos.
  • IHF Women’s Trophy : Nigeria  target winning start against Guadeloupe

    IHF Women’s Trophy : Nigeria  target winning start against Guadeloupe

    The chief coach of Nigeria U18 Girls team, Agboola Shittu has disclosed that his girls are in high spirits and are certain of victory in their first game with Guadeloupe today in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

    Nigeria U18 women’s handball team landed in Tashkent on Monday to participate in the 2024 IHF Women’s Trophy Intercontinental Phase holding between  28th  February  and  3rd March.

    Shittu told journalists that the team aimed for a win in their first game and that they are ready to showcase their true colours in Uzbekistan.

    He said: “As African champion, I want to say that we are ready for the task ahead, though is not going to be easy because there so many favourites here.

     “We are going to approach this match with 200% effort. We are going to give everything on the court; we are not going to give up.

     “It is going to be difficult match, but we want to win and stay in this tournament until the end. I have told the players that we do not need to concede more goal; we want to score goals at every slightest chance and maintain our lead.

     “It is a mission that has been entrusted to us by the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN), and we are going to try to carry it out.

     “I believe in my team. Every team has what you may call frail areas, but the important thing is for the players to play for one another”.

    Read Also: Be patient with us, Speaker Abbas appeals to Nigerians

    Nigeria are in group A alongside Guadeloupe and New Caledonia.

    Ahead of the trip,  Shittu  had released a final list of players consisting of 14 players who were picked from the eighteen players invited for camping.

    FINAL LIST: Kehinde Babatunde, Rahima Bello, Taiwo Babatunde, Chidera Ogbusimba, Munira Kasimu, Akinlade Damilola, Amina Mohammed, Blessing Igbinedion, Esther Mathew, Prudence Samuel, Amarachi Oparaugo, Precious Samuel, Munira Mohammed and Joan Okolo

    OFFICIALS: Agboola Shittu (Chief Coach), Kayode Ayo-Idowu (Assistant Coach) and Manual Diepreye (Assistant Coach).

  • Women lawyers back state police

    Women lawyers back state police

    • Urge govt to tackle insecurity

    African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria has expressed its support for establishment of state police to tackle insecurity in different parts of the country.

    The group also asked the Federal Government to  review  the fuel subsidy removal and declare a state of emergency on insecurity as key measures to tackle the crippling economic hardship in the country.

    The President of the new executive members of the association, Mrs Caroline Ibharuneafe, made the call last week at a press conference at AWLA(Nigeria) Secretariat in  Lagos. .

     Mrs Ibharuneafe  lamented  the state of  Nigerians especially women  on how they have been coping with the astronomical rise in cost of living.

    “We are seriously concerned about the state of the nation, especially the high cost of living and insecurity in the land which is currently having a terrible effect on our women. Farmers in the rural areas can no longer go to farm for fear of killer herdsmen thus leading to high shortage of food items and other essential products in the market.

    “The Federal Government must consider a holistic review of its economic policies and tackle insecurity frontally to save the country from going into recession”, she stressed.

    The AWLA President argued that the prevailing high cost of living has been exacerbated by the grave insecurity in the land with a series of kidnappings, rape of women and children.

    Mrs Ibharuneafe  lamented that the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the Naira has further compounded the situation in the country and made a lot of people hungry.

    “As an association that represents the interest of indigent women in the country, we cannot watch as our women face severe hunger and hardship and do nothing.

    Read Also: Southwest speakers demand state police, power devolution

    “We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to rise up to its responsibility by urgently taking the issue of insecurity seriously. If a policy is not working, it should be reviewed. The Federal Government should urgently reconsider the removal of fuel subsidy.

    “We also call on the government to do something urgent about the incessant electricity increases by the power holding companies in the country”, she said.

    She, however, warned that AWLA would not hesitate to drag the government before the court if concrete measures are not immediately taken to address the current hardship in the country.

     “Nigerians are dying in their hundreds and if nothing is done on all these issues enumerated, AWLA will have no choice but to take legal means to fight for our rights as enunciated in the Nigerians Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Child Rights”, she said.

    On State Police, Ibharuneafe declared the group’s  support of state police as a measure to tackle the security challenges in the country but added that women must be included in committees set up by the government to find lasting solutions to the nation’s problems.

    She insisted that any good measure that would put the country on the path of safety and food sufficient should be encouraged and added that AWLA is open to collaboration with government and other non-governmental organisation in finding solutions to challenges facing the country and more especially rendering prono-bono legal services to indigent women and the girl-child.

  • Ogun women group seeks govt’s partnership

    Ogun women group seeks govt’s partnership

    • Kicks off cassava processing centre construction

    A group, Omo Ogun Women Support Initiative (OOWSI), has sought the partnership of the Federal and Ogun State governments to boost the economy.

    The group’s founder/Global President, Mrs Durotimi Olukorede Adekoya, stated this on the sidelines of the foundation laying ceremony of its cassava processing and training centre at Ilugboro-Ibogun in Ifo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State recently.

     She said the group was ready to rally women and youths to support the programmes of the government, adding that the government could not do it alone.

     She said: “The world is focusing on women and youths to do the magic in economic advancement. Various state governments should realise this and do the needful. Their increased monthly FAAC revenue should be judiciously used to solve issues like power, food, health and security.

     “I am also advising President Bola Tinubu to replicate the same at the national level. And the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu too.The Renewed Hope Initiative is laudable and we are ready to partner with her office and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.’’

    Read Also: Runners storm Abeokuta for 2nd Ogun Women’s Run

     She also said Ogun could feed the country if supported.

    She thanked the state Ministry of Women Affairs for its pledge to work with them, urging the state and local governments to repair the access road to the community and connect it to the power grid.

    The centre, as part of their Women-base Economy Recovery Projects Series, she said, is funded by the organisation, urging the government to assist them. “Agriculture is just part of our intervention. We are looking at other forms of empowerment and advancement of our women such as gender education, digital literacy, and health,’’ she added.

      ‘Our goal is to support and enhance the lives of all Ogun home and abroad. We must not beg. We must not be poor and we must eat the fruit of our labour

    Mrs Adekoya, a retired Chief Nursing Officer, advised rural women to see the centre “as a golden opportunity and own the project immediately – the daily usage and maintenance to avoid breakdown; the security of the centre and machines etc. Other rural women from neighbouring communities should take advantage of this. In fact, the whole of Ifo LGA should take advantage of this and ensure they feed themselves well, make money and improve their lives through the centre.’’

    She said “the centre”, when completed, would “have modern equipment and machines that would move us away from the very strenuous and hazardous process of processing. It will increase the time of production and yields, which will feed more people and make more money for more people. The value chain will include garri, odourless fufu, vitamin A garri custard, which we call castard, HQCF for bread and other parties’’.

     She said more centres would be sited in other parts of the state to boost food production.

    Former Ogun State Deputy governor, Senator Shefiu Adegbenga Kaka, who was chairman of the day, also advised President Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun to support women-based industries to rebound the economy.

  • Women change makers to get awards

    Women change makers to get awards

    Dubai-based Sophisticated, High-Networth & Excellence (SHE) Global Awards will reward women changemakers in Accra, Ghana at the fifth edition on April 12. and 13.

    The awards, organised by publishers of Ladies in Business Magazine Global, have always held in Dubai.

     It recognises achievements of women driving change in Africa and the world.

    The organisers said Ghana was chosen this year because it is providing an enabling ecosystem for investment, tourism and hospitality.

    This move will influence growth in hospitality, through greater demand and patronage.

    Founder/publisher of the magazine, Adeshola Helen Onadipe, said at the press launch that the success of the initiative is base d on no tribe, language, or religion, and so it sees every lady and woman in business of all races and statuses as one.“

    ‘‘…We are proud to take this mission and vision globally. Over four years, our growth has been consistent with integrity, honesty, transparency and passion.

    “Success comes in different sizes for individuals. Your success may be different from someone else’s. Hence, SHE Awards recognises every woman in business as winner in their capacity…” she said.

    This year’s theme:  “The Queen of Sustainability,” underscores the need to live sustainably without damaging the climate and seeks to recognise women impacting United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with their activities.

    Women will be honoured under four categories – Achievers, Women in the Corporate Sector, Female Entrepreneurs and Young Female Leaders.

    Read Also: NDDC begins distribution of palliatives in Delta

    Partnering this year’s awards, General Manager of EIB Network and Founder of League of Extraordinary Women, Nana Sarpong, said women are backbone of African economies, constituting about 70 per cent of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).

    Group Executive Director of APN Group of Organisations, Ghana, Louis Afful, underscored the need to offer women decision-making positions to access the resources that can enable their participation in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Founder of The African Regional Journal, Rosette Squire, said women should help one another and not see thememselves as competitors.

    “Women do not need to give their body to achieve what they want. That is why women empowerment is key to building mental fortitude,” she said.

  • Women marathoner’s strategies and opportunities

    Women marathoner’s strategies and opportunities

    HE hall was filled to the brim. It was the gathering of who is who in the Nigerian sports sector. The event was the Access Bank 2024 Lagos City Marathon and you could feel the excitement in the air. Men and women took turns to talk about their expectations, and preparations for the 9th edition of the Marathon.

    Dignitaries in attendance included Lekan Fatodu, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor, Lagos State; Victor Etuokwu, Deputy Managing Director, Retail North, Access Bank Plc,  Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Head marketing of 7up Nigeria, Mr Segun Ogunleye Kia motor and Three Crown Milk.

    The success is traced to the collaborative effects in the past 9 years and efforts being put in place to have a wonderful edition next year for the 10th edition.

    Foreign participants coming top became the bone of contention at a point.

    Read Also: CEO laments ‘disregard’ for women’s skills, experiences

    Mr Yusuf Alli, the technical manager who has been working on a template to get better, takes you through the process” When we started we were looking for runners all over the world. Now, we have to pick runners from the top 300 all over the world. In the past four years, we have gotten silver medals all over the world. It has been very difficult for runners from this part of the world to get the silver because we are fighting to get ratings between us and the other countries. The first is the weather, it is not conducive to our marathoners. So, when you are rating, put it at the back of your mind, weather conditions. So, we are still starting. For the first time, we are 88 in this race”.

    The trajectory interestingly, hopes to get better. “ There was a 13-year-old girl who did well three years ago. She has gone on to win in Kaduna with record time. Last year, she was also in jos and we hope it gets better. I agree with you that it is a challenge. The effort to start beating our brothers from Kenyan and Ethiopian is for all of us. We must work hard to win and get the dollars”.

    Mrs Titilayo Oshodi, representative of the state government of Secular economy and Climate change. “Kudos to the administration before and how far we have come. The landscape just gets wider and wider and the scope bigger and bigger. Our vision is to make Lagos the most sustainable city on the earth. Our mission is to drive a secular economy, empowerment, and the ability to create growth opportunities. We want to optimize a good level of efficiency”.

    Dolapo Sonubi of Brilla Media, “ There is a Diversity that I see every time. The experience is always elevated. You can see the passion of everyone who has spoken. You can see the passion, interest, and excitement for the tournament. I admire everything that the event stands for, there is the sports entertainment, the interest in healthy bodies.”

    One other issue that stood out was the fact that Nigerian women were becoming more competitive in sports. Interestingly, they are doing well in the competitive sport but there are gaps when it comes to women’s participation at the Marathon.

    That takes you down memory lane looking at the challenges and opportunities for the women then. By the 1970s, the Olympic Marathon had come a long way from the dusty roads of Athens. Yet women were still not allowed to compete and the struggle to establish a women’s Olympic Marathon was itself something of a long-distance race.

    Before the 1980s, there were no women’s distance races in the Olympics. In the Moscow Games, the longest race for women was the 1,500 meters, which had been instituted in 1972. Women had been excluded from track and field competition altogether until 1928 when the longest race was the 800 meters. Despite a world record by winner Lina Radke of Germany, many of the competitors had not properly prepared for the race and several collapsed in exhaustion. This led Olympic organizers to consider the race too strenuous for women. The president of the IOC, Count Henri Baillet-Latour, even suggested the elimination of all women’s competition from the Games. Such a drastic move was not taken, but until 1960, when the 800 meters reappeared, no race over 200 meters was contested by women in the Olympics.

    This is not to say there was no tradition of women’s long-distance running. Women had been forbidden from participating in the ancient Olympics. A woman who was caught even as a spectator at the Games could face execution. But women in ancient Greece held their festival to honor the goddess Hera every five years. Only one athletic event was a short footrace.

    When the Olympics were revived in 1896, women were again excluded. But, in March of 1896, Stamatis Rovithi became the first woman to run a marathon when she covered the proposed Olympic course from Marathon to Athens. The following month, a woman named Melpomene presented herself as an entrant in the Olympic Marathon. Race organizers denied her the opportunity to compete. Undiscouraged, Melpomene warmed up for the race out of sight. When the starter’s gun sounded, she began to run along the side of the course. Eventually, she fell behind the men, but as she continued, stopping at Pikermi for a glass of water, she passed runners who dropped out of the race in exhaustion. She arrived at the stadium about an hour and a half after Spiridon Louis won the race. Barred from entry into the now-empty stadium, she ran her final lap around the outside of the building, finishing in approximately four and a half hours.

    In September of 1981, the IOC met in Baden-Baden, Germany, and made several important decisions. They elected the first women members of that body in its eighty-four-year history. After a powerful speech by middle-distance runner Sebastian Coe, they voted to allow the ruling federations for each Olympic sport to set their requirements for Olympic eligibility, clearing the way for marathoners and other athletes to receive prizes and endorsement money while remaining eligible for Olympic competition. Amid all these decisions, they voted on the recommendation of the Executive Board concerning the women’s marathon race. Lost in the headlines about the end of amateurism at the Olympics and the selection of Seoul and Calgary for the 1988 Games was the fact that women had finally won the right to compete in an Olympic Marathon.

  • Women to watch in 2024

    Women to watch in 2024

    Welcome to 2024. Despite the myriad challenges in the economic and political space, many are indeed hopeful and they are determined to make a mark in their chosen fields.
    The women are ready to be game changers, exploring the gains from the previous year and ready to set the pace for others to follow. YETUNDE OLADEINDE takes a look at the different sectors unveiling women to watch, amazons set to make giant strides this year.

    BANKING

    Women manage three of the top 10 banks in Nigeria today. Judging by the financial year ended 2023, the banks including GTB, Fidelity Bank, and FCMB, are being managed by these women namely: Miriam Olusanya, MD/CEO of GTB, Yemisi Edun, MD/CEO, FCMB, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, are doing well and ranked amongst the top tier banks.

    Specifically, GTB assets are valued at $14.401m, while Fidelity Bank is $8.911m and FCMB at $6.664m respectively

    GOVERNMENT

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu 

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is committed to empowering women, youths, and the elderly. Apart from empowerment, she has also shown interest in the Nation’s Health delivery process. During the outgoing week, she admonished well-meaning Nigerians to join forces with the government and adopt hospitals and wards to improve the sector. Her foundation, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) is working in collaboration with UNICEF to ensure that all births in Nigeria are registered.

    MINISTER OF ARTS 

    Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy

    The Minister is geared towards building another national theatre in Abuja. Following the 1988 national cultural policy, she also wants to replicate this in the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria. That was why the budget was increased from  1.9 billion to 9.1 billion by the national assembly when she defended her budget.

    POLITICS

    On the political scene, one woman to look out for is Loretta Ogboro Okoro, a female aspirant who has declared her intention to contest in the 2024 Edo Governorship race.

    ARTS/ LITERATURE

    Chimamanda  Ngozi Adichie

    The world is waiting to hear her garner more literary awards

     At this relatively young she has been able to capture attention to herself. More references are being made to her creative acumen and some literary pundits have stated that she will make the least for the Nobel or other awards like Booker and others. Her attention these days focuses more on feminine writings as she straightens the argument for women to stand together in agitating for their rights…more literature on women is expected therefore to emanate from her in 2024.

    FASHION AND TEXTILE

    Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA)

    Lanre Da Silva Ajayi a Nigerian fashion designer based in Lagos is a designer to watch. She made the green classy gown worn by Tiwa Savage at the Coronation of King Charles In the UK last year. Launched in 2005, her eponymous label includes couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry, and hairpieces. Da Silva’s collections often incorporate metallic fabrics, lace, and African patterns, while referencing the 1940s or 1800s.

    Toyin Ajoke Muyinat Lawani-Adebayo, popularly known as Toyin Lawani, is a Nigerian celebrity, fashion designer, author, philanthropist, and serial entrepreneur. She is the CEO of Tiannahs Place Empire, a group compromising 33 businesses.

    Nike Okundaye

    Nike Okundaye will continue to expand the frontiers of the visual and creative industry. She keeps building private art galleries with additional ones in Abuja and environs

     She has promised to build more as time goes on. At the last count, she has ten such galleries in different parts of Nigeria, including Ogidi her village in Kogi state.

    Read Also: Plateau killings: Protesting women burn down traditional ruler’s house

    Queen Ronke Ademiluyi- Ogunwusi

    Ronke  Ademiluyi Ogunwusi is a fashion entrepreneur and wife of the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi. She is a lawyer and the Founder of Africa Fashion Week London and Africa Fashion Week Nigeria. Her passion for the adire fabric, projecting upcoming designers has made her events grow to become one of the largest and most prestigious fashion weeks. In the past 12 years, she has hosted 8 catwalk events and contributed expertise to at least 10 more events produced by third parties such as the Mayor of London’s Black History Month Celebrations. She also showcased over 800 emerging designers and exhibitors from Africa, Europe, and America.

    BUSINESS

    Mrs Folorunsho Alakija

    Nigerian businesswoman, philanthropist, and founder of Flourish Africa, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija is a woman to watch in the business sector.

    To support female entrepreneurs in Africa she launched a N1 billion fund

    Flourish Africa is a female empowerment platform designed to help women achieve their full potential. It is a place for both female millennials and adults to access information and the right networks that will enable them to grow in their chosen careers and businesses while prioritizing health and wellness. The initiative focuses on supporting the entrepreneurial activities of at least 2500 female-owned businesses through funding and structured training over 5 years.

     Mo. Abudu 

    M. O. Abudu. She keeps producing some of the most amazing films Nigerians and the world have ever seen. She takes Nigerian stories to the best and most valued cinemas all over the world. Every story that matters gives more impetus to gather the best hands as actors and actresses. Now with her international appointment, it is clear she is made to go places. Indeed 2024 is her year as she is ready to add more glamour to the business of filmmaking and translating some vital books into production. She is outstanding in the world of art. Check her out in 2024

    SPORTS

    Asisat Oshoala

     Asisat Oshoala who was recognised as Women’s African Player of the Year for 2023 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at a gala in Marrakech, Morocco has great potential this year.

    Tobi Amusan

    Oluwatobiloba Ayomide “Tobi” Amusan

     A Nigerian track and field athlete who specialises in the100 meters hurdles and also competes as a sprinter is a woman to watch in 2024. Amusan is the current world record holder in the 100 meters hurdles with a time of 12.12 seconds which she set at the 2022 women’s 100-meter hurdles semi-final in Eugene Oregon.

     She is the current Commonwealth and African champion in the 100 m hurdles, as well as the meet record holder in those two competitions.

    Rasheedat Ajibade

    Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Spanish Liga F club Atlético Madrid and the Nigeria women’s national team.

    AGRICULTURE

    Yemisi Iranloye

    Yemisi Iranloye established Psaltry International Limited in the rural area of Ado-Awaye, Oyo state, Nigeria, to promote the cultivation of cassava for industrial purposes. The company produces food-grade starch and high-quality cassava flour, purchased from local smallholder farmers. Yemisi’s company prioritizes delivering high-quality products, and attracting customers like Nestle, Unilever, and Nigerian Breweries among others. Despite challenges like lack of electricity and water scarcity, Psaltry International Limited has achieved an annual income of $12 million and works with over 5,000 farmers. They specialize in cassava production and processing, producing over 10,000 tonnes of starches annually.

  • Women lament 82% drop in budgetary allocation

    Women lament 82% drop in budgetary allocation

    Women group under the Partnerships for Advancing Women in Economic Development (PAWED) are lamenting over 82 per cent drop in women allocations in the 2024 budgetary allocations.

    They said the proposed 2024 budget of N12.59 billion to women, when compared to N78 billion in 2023, showed an 82 per cent reduction at a time the government is promoting renewed investment in women’s economic empowerment under its renewed Hope Agenda.

    National President National Entrepreneurship Women, Chief Funmilayo Arowoogun, said the review was extended to include economic empowerment lines in the budget targeting combined beneficiary groups of women, youth and others.

    She said they saw that the 2024 budget captured 107 WEE projects for women, youth and others.

    The group said: ‘’Women representatives came together to spend one full day reviewing the 2024 proposed budget estimates for women’s economic empowerment.

    Read Also: Akeredolu was a patriot, Mimiko mourns

    While we are happy to note the allocation of 12.59 billion naira for women’s economic empowerment projects in the 2024 estimates, we observe that this allocation represents an 82 per cent reduction from the 2023 allocation of ?72 billion. We are even more concerned to note that we see only 99 Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) projects in the 2024 budget compared to 164 projects in the 2022 budget.

    ‘’Even when the ?12.57 billion allocation to the WEE lines targeting women, youth and others is added to the ?12.59 allocation for women-only WEE projects, the 2024 allocation for WEE remains the lowest since 2019. Less than one per cent of the 2024 budgetary capital allocation is dedicated to women’s economic empowerment. In 2023, almost 2% of the annual capital budget was allocated to WEE.”

  • Badagry council empowers 250 women

    Badagry council empowers 250 women

    Not fewer than 250 women in the Badagry Local Government area were empowered by the local government during the fifth edition of the Badagry Women Symposium organizsed by the Department of Women Affairs And Poverty Alleviation ( WAPA) of the local government.

       The beneficiaries got poverty alleviation equipment to aid their businesses, such as gas cookers, freezers,  generating sets, fridges, industrial machines, toasting machines, microwave ovens, flat-screen television sets, boarding and hairdressing kits, industrial fans, and various cash prizes ranging from N500,000 to N20,000 in the least.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Don’t think of vacation this season, we’ve burden of Nigerians on our shoulders, Shettima tells NEC

       The women won the prizes in a raffle draw competition. A trader, Mrs. Margaret Isiaka, won the star prize of N500,000  while Mrs Florence Touvio won the second star prize of N300,000.

       Council chairman,  Mr Olusegun Onilude, assured the gathering that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the women in Badagry we’re empowered to lead.

    Two guest speakers, Dr. Femi Adedina of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Senior Fire Superintendent Jonah Senapon Temitope of the Lagos State Fire Service educated the participants on the need to be responsible in society and how to prevent fire outbreak.

  • NGO lifts underprivileged children, women

    NGO lifts underprivileged children, women

    To give the underprivileged a sense of belonging, a renowned Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Golden Little Lights Organisation, has celebrated its annual Christmas party with pupils of Awoyaya Primary School, Federal Housing Estate Primary School and two other government-owned schools in Eti-Osa Local Government of Lagos State.

     Over 900 pupils enjoyed the largesse of the NGO, having lots to eat, drink and play different kinds of games, receiving gifts from Santa Claus.

     The gifts included: educational materials, snacks, toys, etc.

    Read Also: Kano: No deal with NNPP to compromise Supreme Court judgement, APC dispel rumour

     Parents of the pupils weren’t left out, as they were given foodstuff to celebrate Christmas.

     The initiative, which started six years ago, is co-founded by Adedoyin Fabikun and Sharon Ashinze, who also own Vertiline Synergy Limited, a hospitality consulting firm.

     Over the years, the annual Christmas party has mostly been celebrated with the less privileged at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Abuja and schools, which has become a norm for the NGO.  Lamenting the economic situation of the country, Ashinze said it was necessary to put smiles on the faces of the underprivileged, which was the reason the initiative came into existence.