By Cecilia Ogezi (Correspondent, Abuja)
A non-government organisation, Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation, has partnered the Nigerian Bottling Company( NBC) on empowering 322 women in Idu, Karmajiji and Kuchigoro communities in Abuja in commemoration of NBC's 70th anniversary in Nigeria.
Speaking at the presentation of starter packs to twenty eight women who passed through a successful training during the graduation ceremony of the one-time long empowerment training, Project officer of the organisation, Chikezie Ekechukwu, noted that the mandate of the organization is to train women within the age of sixty years and below to enable them fend for their families in eight states of the country including Abuja.
He said the NBC EmpowerHer project, trains women on basis of need assessment in their communities and has trained 322 in baking, household cleaning agents, balm production, make-up and bead making in Abuja to meet those needs.
While urging the participants to commence their business immediately after receiving their starter pack, Ekechukwu noted that with the few women that participated in the training program, it is expected that knowledge will be transferred to more women in the communities through the participant to enhance the economy of the country.
Ekechukwu called on other corporate bodies in Nigeria to join hands in creating an empowerment program for more women and youths, to reduce poverty and improve security in the country.
Also speaking, Mr. Aminu Mohammed, NBC Regional Public Affairs and Communication Manager, Abuja and North, said the NBCEmpowerHer project is a major focus for NBC for development and sustainability of their host community.
According to him, NBC has three areas of socio-economic focus for development and sustainability, which include, youth and women empowerment, environment, water stewardship which is targeted at providing potable water in communities around the country before 2030.
He added that the purpose of the training was achieved while noting that 125 women was the initial target but 322 were empowered to accommodate more women.
Another partner, president AfriGrowth Foundation, Mrs Dayo Keshi, explained that women have strong intuitions and can change the world when determined, adding that the NBC EmpowerHer project will go along way to change destinies and help families, while urging other well meaning Nigerians to endeavour to give back to humanity.
Some of the participants who spoke to newsmen during the presentation of the starter-pack, expressed joy, noting that they will immediately go back home to commence the business.
A beneficiary, Mrs Jemima Barnabas, who was trained in making household cleaning agent, said it was a privilege to be given the opportunity as she has been trained to handle her business better.
Another beneficiary, Salamatu Abubakar, explained that she already started her business in baking while thanking the organisers for the impactful training. NNL.
