by Emmanuel Abi Couson
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for the deepening of women economic empowerment and financial inclusion programmes across the country to enhance sustainable national development.
Oborevwori made the call during the inauguration of Chairman, Co-Chairman and members of the Steering Committee of Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP, (A World Bank Initiative) on Wednesday, in Asaba.
The State Focal Person and Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sunny Ekedayen 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 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.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Governor commended the World Bank for choosing Delta State for the project, and charged the Chairman and members of the committee to approach the task with the seriousness it deserved.
He remarked that the core principles of economic empowerment, capacity- building and social inclusion aligned perfectly with the third pillar of his administration’s MORE agenda, which is Opportunity for All.
Governor Oborevwori said: “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 grassroot.
“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.
“Like 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. 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 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 World Bank Team Leader, Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP, Mr Michael Ilesanmi, in his remarks, 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, thereby reducing infant mortality.
Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Sunny Ekedayen, thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve, adding that they would work assiduously to ensure the programme became successful and contribute to the success of the Governor’s MORE Agenda.
