Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborewori, has said that women’s empowerment is not just a social obligation but also an economic imperative for any nation to grow.
Oborewori made the remarks when he inaugurated the state’s Multi Sectoral Coordination Structure for the World Bank’s Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Asaba, Wednesday.
According to Oborewori, when women are empowered economically, it improves their sense of self-worth, gives them the right to determine their choices, and the ability to take control and responsibility for their lives.
He commended the World Bank for choosing Delta State as one of the benefiting states for the second phase of the Project, pointing out that the project has already demonstrated its potential across the country as a strong platform for addressing the peculiar socio-economic challenges faced by women, particularly those at the grassroots.
He observed that the core principles of the Project, which include economic empowerment, capacity building, and social inclusion, align perfectly with the third pillar of his administration’s MORE agenda, which is Opportunities for All.
He said, “Under this 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 Government Councils in the state. This is because we recognize the inherent abilities of women to birth social change and contribute their unique skills to the governance process.
“Empowering women is not just a social obligation but also an economic imperative. Through our MORE Grant Scheme for petty traders, artisans, and female entrepreneurs, we are empowering our womenfolk. So far, we have impacted over 5,000 persons under this initiative.”
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He charged members of the committee to approach their responsibility with seriousness and justify the confidence that has been reposed in them, saying, “The women of our state are counting on us, and we cannot afford to let them down.”
Speaking earlier, the World Bank Team Leader, Mr Michael Ilesanmi, pointed out that women empowerment should not be limited to only the Ministry of Women Affairs but the affairs of all other ministries.
He explained that Nigeria For Women was the Government of Nigeria’s Flagship women’s economic empowerment programme that has a transformational impact at both the household and community levels.
He added that the programme is designed to work with the poorest and most vulnerable of women, to help them access capital, access finance and access to the market by creating the right kind of enabling environment for women due to the socio-cultural issues they face.
Those inaugurated include Hon. Sunny Ekedayen, Focal Person/Chairman;
Hon. Princess Mrs Pat Ajudua, Member; Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, Member; Mr Isaac Tosan Wilkie, Member; Barr. Val Arenyeka, Member; Mr Samuel Oligida, Member; Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, Member; Dr Joseph Onojaeme, Member; Mr Ejiro Jamani, Member; Dr Barry Gbe, Member and Mrs Kevwe Agas, Secretary.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, promised the commitment of the committee to carry out the assignment for the overall success of the project and advancement of the state.
