A non-government organisation, Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation, has partnered the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) to empower 322 women in Idu, Karmajiji and Kuchigoro communities in Abuja, in commemoration of the NBC’s 70th anniversary in Nigeria.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the empowerment training, during the presentation of starter pack to 28 women who passed through the training, the project officer of the organisation, Chikezie Ekechukwu, noted that the mandate of the organization is to train women within the ages of sixty years and below to enable them fend for their families.
He said the NBC’s Empower Her project trains women on the basis of need assessment, and has trained 322 in baking, household cleaning agents, balm production, make-up and bead making.
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 hand 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’s regional public affairs and communication manager, Abuja and North said the NBC Empower Her Project is a major focus for NBC for development and sustainability of the community, he expressed his gratitude that the purpose was achieved while noting that 125 women was the initial target but 322 were empowered to accommodate more women.
Another partner, the president, AfriGrowth Foundation, Mrs Dayo Keshi, explained that women have strong intuitions and can change the world when determined, adding that the NBC Empower Her project will go a long 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, notng that they would immediately go back home to commence business. A beneficiary, Mrs Jemima Barnabas, who was trained on household cleaning agents, said it was a privilege to be given the opportunity.
