By Mary Emeka
The Federal Government, in partnership with the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), has launched a nationwide empowerment program aimed at boosting women’s economic independence through skills training and business support.
The initiative, flagged off in Abuja, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, focusing on equipping widows and indigent women with practical skills to enhance their livelihoods.
Speaking during the event on Tuesday, in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by her Special Adviser, Technical Women's Affairs and Community Engagement, Jummai Idonije, emphasized the government's commitment to women’s economic empowerment as a core pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
"Women’s empowerment is a priority for Nigeria. Through the National Women’s Economic Empowerment, WEE, Policy and the Nigeria for Women Project, NFWP, we are expanding financial access and skills training across 30 states to uplift women entrepreneurs," the Minister stated.
She further noted that beyond economic empowerment, efforts are also being made to strengthen social cohesion, enhance elderly care, and improve support systems for vulnerable children.
She urged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods.
“To our beneficiaries, this is your opportunity to use these resources to build a better future for yourselves, your families, and your communities.
"The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs remains committed to supporting and scaling such impactful programs."
In her welcome address, National President of NCWS, Edna Azura, described the empowerment initiative as a milestone in the organization's long-standing commitment to uplifting Nigerian women.
"Participants will undergo training in the production of oil perfumes, germicides, and antiseptics. Upon completion, they will receive starter packs and certificates to enable them to start their businesses," she said.
She assured that NCWS would not only train but also provide post-training mentorship to ensure the success of beneficiaries in their entrepreneurial journey.
“This initiative is designed to equip widows and indigent women with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to start their own businesses and improve their socio-economic status.
“The participants will undergo comprehensive training sessions on the production of oil perfumes, germicides, and antiseptics. These training sessions will be conducted by experienced facilitators and will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of the production process.
“Upon completion of the training, each participant will receive a starter pack containing all the necessary materials and equipment to start their own business. We will also present certificates of participation to our trainees, acknowledging their hard work and dedication."
Azura further called on partners and donors to sustain their support, stressing that expanding the initiative across all states in Nigeria would have a far-reaching impact on women's economic empowerment.
A participant, Devine Ahoa, while expressing her appreciation to the organizers, said the training and starter pack will help her start off her own business.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, highlighting ongoing interventions such as the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy and the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP).
“This program is a vital step toward economic inclusion. Women across Nigeria will gain financial access, business skills, and opportunities to thrive,” she stated. “Beyond economic empowerment, we are strengthening family cohesion, improving elderly care, and supporting orphanages to protect vulnerable children.”
NCWS National President, Princess Edna D.D. Azura, described the training as a life-changing opportunity for participants, who received hands-on instruction in producing oil perfumes, germicides, and antiseptics.
“Our goal is to equip these women with the tools to become financially independent. Each participant is receiving a starter pack with the necessary materials to begin their businesses, and we will continue to mentor them post-training,” she said.
She further called on donors and partners to support the expansion of the initiative nationwide, emphasizing that empowering women is key to national development.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the opportunity, pledging to utilize their skills to build sustainable businesses.
The program, which will be replicated across the country, is part of a broader effort to provide Nigerian women with the resources needed to drive economic growth and self-sufficiency.