Gov Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has called for sustained economic empowerment and financial inclusion programmes for Nigerian women to enhance sustainable national development.
The governor stated this at the inauguration of officials and members of the Steering Committee of Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), a World Bank Initiative, on Wednesday, in Asaba.
Mr Sunny Ekedayen, Commissioner for Economic Planning and State NFWP is Chairman, while the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Pat Ajudua, is Co-Chairman.
Other members include the Commissioners for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu; Water Resources Development, Dr Isaac Wilkie and Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Val Arenyeka.
Others are Commissioners for Trade and Investment, Mr Samuel Oligida, Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, Environment, Mr Ejiro Jamani, and the Chief Economic Adviser, Dr Barry Gbe.
The Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Kevwe Agas, is to serve as the Secretary.
The governor lauded the World Bank for choosing Delta for the project.
He charged the chairman and members of the committee to approach the task with the seriousness it deserved.
Oborevwori said that the core principles of economic empowerment, capacity- building and social inclusion aligned perfectly with one of the pillars of his administration’s M.O.R.E agenda, which is Opportunity for All.
“The Nigeria for Women Project has already demonstrated its potentials 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 M.O.R.E 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.
“Like it is said, when you empower a woman, you empower a household. We know the capacity of our women; they are adding value to this government,”he said.
He said that the state government had recently approved the MORE grant scheme to empower about 5,000 women across the state.
“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.
“In fact, 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 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,” he said.
Mr Michael Ilesannmi, World Bank Team Leader of NFWP, said the programme remained the World Bank’s flagship project for women’s economic empowerment programme and a transformational impact in the families and communities.
He said the project was modelled to help vulnerable women have access to financial inclusion, and markets by creating the enabling environment for women to curb malnutrition
Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Ekedayen, thanked the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve.
He assured that the committee would work assiduously to ensure the success of the programme, and contribute to the success of the governor’s M.O.R.E agenda.(NAN)
