Former governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has advised Nigerians to imbibe the culture of entrepreneurship and hard work to fully benefit from government and private empowerment programmes.
The governor, who spoke during the launching of empowerment fund and award ceremony of the Ngwa Women Cultural Association in Lagos, lamented that some Nigerians are in the habit of ruining businesses set up for them during empowerment programmes. This, he said, discourages philanthropists and other well-meaning groups from embarking on such ventures.
President of the women group, Barr. Mrs. Adaku Nwaogwugwu, in her welcome address, explained that the aim of the empowerment is to provide financial support to members through the establishment of cooperative society.
“It is also to provide financial intelligence by inculcating in them the habit of setting aside an amount for savings, bridging the gap in access to education and skills development as well as fostering entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
“Ngwa Women Cultural Association is a socio-cultural association of married women in Ngwaland, Abia State. Our key objective amongst other things is to uphold the culture of Ngwa land and to facilitate cooperation and understanding among members with a view to finding solutions to common problems, and promoting the interest and wellbeing of our members.
“We also know that empowered individuals, empower others. When you empower a woman, you have empowered the family. We, therefore, solicit your support in this course as you give generously to empower the women.
“Remember, empowerment is a collective responsibility and together, we can break barriers and create a brighter future. We assure you that your donations will be judiciously utilised,” she pledged.
The chairperson, organising committee of the event, Mrs Nwamara Nnaji, said it was organised to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of the people.
Mrs Nnaji, a chartered accountant, who urged for massive support in her remarks, said the intended empowerment programme is in line with the purpose for which the association was formed.
“We are here to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we plan to empower and those we have deemed to award.
“This event marks a significant milestone in our association’s journey as we continually strive to do more in impacting and lending hands to the less privilege in the society and even amongst ourselves,” she said, adding that the awardees have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavours, including past presidents for their contributions to the growth of the association.
Other dignitaries at the event included the 2023 Labour Party (LP) Gubernatorial Candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour; HRH Eze (Prof) Sunday I. Owualah; CEO, Mega Capital, Sir Sam Onukwue; ESV Godswill Chiemela Nwachukwu, who served as the Chairman of the occasion among others.
The awardees are the President, Ngwa Social Club (NSC), Prof Chibuike Ananaba (SAN); ESV Nwachukwu; Navy Captain (Dr) Ugochi Nzeribe Abangwu; Ms Udochi Iheanacho (SAN); Hon (Barr) Uchechi Evoh; Mrs Nnaji; Mrs Tonia Nwaokenneya and Chief Elder Pleasure Ajuzie.
