From Joseph Uchenna, Makurdi
The Federal Government has empowered over 144 women in Benue State under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions Empowerment for Widows and Survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, SGBV.
The programme is domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development
Speaking at the weekend in Makurdi at the event held at Government House, the minister for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim intimated that under the wave program that is meant to build agro billions, 20 agro- entrepreneurs will be empowered with 1m facility.
She also, said that 100 women will be given 50, 000 naira grant while 24 SGBV survivors would be empowered with 4 grinding machines, 4 sewing machines for them to be on the path of recovery including 200 bags of rice, 200 wrappers as well as 10 bells of clothes.
Hajiya Imaan explained that the essence of the program is to scale up women economic power by ensuring that their income quadruple, disclosing that the program will be replicated in all local government areas across the country.
Said she, “Benue is close to the heart of this Government. As women and mothers, we cannot sleep on our job and role in breeding stronger community by not preaching message of division but unity. We are the back bone of the society so be harbinger of peace and prosperity.
“Women representation is still is still as low as 3.5 percent. We need to rise above our challenges. The picture will change. Economically, women face challenges in ownership of land and property, they face systematic challenges.
“President Bola Tinubu is committed to making women rise above social challenges. We wake everyday to sad story of rape. Only recently an 8 year was raped by Police officer. Justice must and would be served to offenders.
“Politically, women must belt and brace up. Women should deliver Tinubu and Alia back to office in 2027. We intend to grow the ecosystem in every sector, women economic village will be established in every state capital”.
The new Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Theresa Ikwue said the program align with the state vision, noting that the initiative is meant to restore hope to disadvantage families across the country.
She said SGBV survivors are impacted positively and called for reflection on child molestation, stating that on Friday, there was a case of child molestation in Otukpo.
“Justice will not be compromise. We must safe guard dignity of all citizens. We will make Benue society of compassion. We will rebuild survivors of SGBV”. Mrs Ikwue said.
