Nelson Utip
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called for the economic empowerment of women and financial empowerment across the nation to enhance sustainable national development.
The governor stated this during the inauguration of the Chairman, Co-Chairman and members of the Steering Committee of Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP, (A World Bank Initiative) on Wednesday, in Asaba.
The Commissioner for Economic Planning Mr Sunny Ekedayen who is the state Focal person is the Chairman, while the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Pat Ajudua, is Co-Chairman,
other members of the committee include the Commissioners for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu; Water Resources Development, Dr Isaac Tosan Wilkie; Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Val Arenyeka; Trade and Investment, Mr Samuel Oligida; Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza; Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, and Environment, Mr Ejiro Jamani, as well as the Chief Economic Adviser, Dr Barry Gbe. The Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Kevwe Agas, is the Secretary.
The Governor during the inauguration commended the World Bank for the choice of Delta State for the project and charged the Chairman and members of the committee to approach the task vehemently.He said that the core principles of economic empowerment, capacity- building and social inclusion is in tandem with the third pillar of his administration’s MORE agenda, which is Opportunity for All.
“The Nigeria for Women Project has already demonstrated its potential across the country as a strong platform for addressing the peculiar social economic challenges faced by women, particularly, those at the grassroots.
“Under the ‘Opportunity for All’ component of the MORE agenda, we have expanded the political space by increasing women’s participation in the political process through appointments into key positions in government.
“Additionally, women serve as elected Vice Chairmen in most of the local governments of the state. This is because we recognise the inherent abilities of women to birth social change and contribute their unique skills to the governance process.
“As you have said, when you empower a woman, you empower a household. We know the capacity of our women; they are adding value to this government.
“Recently, we approved the MORE grant scheme to empower about 5,000 women across Delta State and it is ongoing.
“This initiative came up when I came in. As an administration, we believe that when women are empowered economically, it improves their self-worth and gives them the ability to take control of their lives. When women are empowered, it leads to development and happiness.
“So, I want to assure you that our administration is fully committed to the success of this programme. We will support it in all ways. We are ready to provide all necessary support to ensure that the Nigeria for Women Project becomes a success not just in our state but across Nigeria.” The governor said.
Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, The World Bank Team Leader, Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP in his remarks, said the programme is the World Bank’s flagship project for women’s economic empowerment programme and had a transformational impact in families and communities, he added that the project was designed to avail vulnerable women the opportunity to access financial inclusion and markets by creating an enabling environment for women to curb malnutrition, thereby reducing infant mortality.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mr Sunny Ekedayen in his response thanked Governor Oborievwori for the opportunity to serve, he added that they would work tirelessly to make sure the programme became successful and contribute to the success of the Governor’s MORE Agenda.
