If there is one thing giving Nigerians headaches and sleepless nights, it is the high level of unemployment affecting both males and females. Until the inception of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, the idea of empowering men and women to become productive citizens had not been fully highlighted in the public space.
The MORE Grant Scheme, an initiative aimed at empowering local economies, was launched by the Delta State Governor on May 23, 2024, benefiting 5,426 petty traders, artisans, and female entrepreneurs from poor and vulnerable households.
At the formal launch of the MORE Grant Scheme at the Event Centre, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said the initiative was a comprehensive support system designed to empower 5,426 Deltans, comprising 1,600 petty traders, 1,826 artisans, and 2,000 female entrepreneurs across the state.
As part of the Delta State Government’s efforts to create opportunities for all Deltans, female entrepreneurs in Warri South West and Burutu Local Government Areas recently commended the program aimed at empowering local economies. The scheme was flagged off in Okpe by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Committed Support Services, and Girl Child Development, Ms. Orode Uduaghan.
The training program was organized by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Child Development Centre, in conjunction with the Master Care Foundation, to empower petty traders, artisans, and female entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the occasion in Warri, on behalf of the Commissioner, the Special Assistant, Mrs. Ochuko Erhmen, explained that the program is targeted at youths and girls aged 18 to 35, who will be trained in various business interests.
“We congratulate the State Government for living up to expectations and fulfilling its promises to the people. The involvement of women in such ventures is crucial for various reasons,” she said.
In the first place, women’s participation in entrepreneurial activities not only supports their families’ income but also plays a significant role in the economic development and social well-being of society.
Additionally, by starting new firms and businesses, entrepreneurs play a key role in shaping the economy and reducing social problems, such as crime and prostitution, which often arise from women’s unemployment.
When women are included in the workforce, they bring fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and alternative viewpoints that encourage businesses to think outside the box and make more informed decisions. The training is essential because women are the backbone of families and communities. They provide care, support, and nurturing to their families and are integral to the development of children.
Furthermore, skills like leadership and problem-solving are essential for women, and this type of training by the Delta State Government will help participants take control of their lives, make profound decisions, and pursue their interests and passions.
Communication skills, which are part of the training, will also contribute to their personal growth and development.
The training and the program will enable women to have control over their lives, which, in turn, will influence society and empower them fundamentally.
Women, as primary caregivers of children and elders, play a vital role in adjusting to new realities and challenges when the economy or political structure of a society changes, as international studies have shown. The training will help in this regard.
By investing in skills acquisition and basic literacy for women, societies can unlock the potential of half their population. Empowered women can contribute to economic growth and faster social development and drive positive change in their various communities.
According to studies, when women are empowered, they can pursue paid, stable employment, poverty rates drop, food insecurity decreases, and the stability, nutrition, and overall well-being of their families improve.
Studies also show that women build and cultivate stronger connections. “Female leaders show up in a noticeably different way than their male counterparts, particularly in building caring connections, mentoring and developing others, exhibiting concern for the community, and being more attuned to social norms and respecting the feelings of others.”
Speaking on the issue, a community leader, Thomas Chukwuka, said that women play an integral role in society, stating, “They are the backbone of families and are crucial to the growth and development of communities.”
He lamented, “Yet, for centuries, women have been relegated to the sidelines, subjected to discrimination and marginalization,” but quickly added that “things have changed for the better as women have risen to the occasion and can aspire to any level, just like men.”
He commended the Delta State Government for the laudable program of training women, describing it as one of the best initiatives any government can offer its people.
Chief Chukwuka said that empowering women would enhance the socio-economic status of both rural and urban families, and this could be achieved through the employment of women, whose activities naturally spread across almost all sectors of the economy. He added that skills acquisition for women in Nigeria appears to be one of the most potent options in the empowerment drive.
He emphasized that training women spreadedge wider and faster because of the nature of the womenfolk.
Another respondent, Martina Ugonna, said that the best thing that can happen to any woman is training and empowerment, adding that it amounts to training the community and the soy.
She added that money invested in women is never wasted because, unlike men, women do not forget their roots or parents.
Ugonna further advised the government to remain involved and pragmatic in the training and development of women and noted that this administration will be remembered for this policy and program.
