FIC Report (Abia State) – Deputy Governor, Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu has reassured that the present administration will always collaborate with every Federal Govt Initiative aimed at improving the lots of the people.
Sir. Oko Chukwu who gave the assurance during a Media Round Table organized by the Nigeria for Women Project, BCC and Ariel Concept at the Abia SPCU Conference room, Ogurube layout, Umuahia appreciated the Federal Govt and World Bank for introducing and initiating the scheme which has helped empower Abia Women through inculcating in them the culture of savings and building up their self esteem.
The Deputy Governor and State Steering Committee Chairman reiterated the commitment of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in giving all necessary assistance to ensure the continued success of the project even when extended to other Local Govt Areas of the State and expressed delight that Abia State has passed the 54,000 women participation target.
He reassured that Govt recognizing and understanding the benefits accruing from the Project and women development, will continue to meet it’s obligations in terms of payment of Counterpart Funds and stressed the need for partnership from stakeholders in order to achieve the desired objectives as well as appreciated all the technocrats and participants for the success recorded so far.
In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Deaconess Nna Rose Urenta disclosed that WAG members have accessed a total of fifty seven million, five hundred and forty eight thousand, eight hundred and seventy naira as loan without interest from their different groups across the three Local Govt Areas of Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Ohafia to help in their income generating activity, while 54, 000 Abia Women are to benefit from Individual grants and collective livelihoods to WAG members.
Presenting an update of Nigeria For Women Project in Abia State, the State Project Coordinator, Mrs Georgina Agbagha who said members of the WAG have been able to generate over 1.96 million naira as loan funds from savings contributed at weekly meeting as well as other administrative charges and finance with a total of 6,475 beneficiaries receiving grants of 60, 000 naira each to boost their livelihood income and expenditure and thanked the State Govt for exhibiting strong support to the Project by giving fifty million naira counterpart funds and approving the release of additional one hundred million naira to support the Project.
Also speaking, the Team Lead, BCC and Ariel Concept, Mr. Bankole Ebisimejur said they are in the State to interact with the Project Team to identify special issues bordering them to effect positive change and promised to work closely with the State Govt to ensure that the objectives of the Project is achieved while soliciting for adequate media coverage of their activities.
Top Govt Officials and other stakeholders of the project were present during the ceremony.
Madubuike Uchechukwu
Deputy Governor’s Office Corresspondent
FIC Umuahia, Abia State.
