Centre Empowers Women Through Devt Workshop

The Centre for Gender, Youth and Child Development, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike has organised a training workshop on peace and development for 50 women from the university’s host communities.

Declaring the workshop open, the vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, said women play critical roles in societies in promoting peace and development through various initiatives.

Represented by the deputy vice-chancellor, (Administration), Prof. Elechi Asawalam, he applauded the centre for its proactive steps towards sustainable peace and development in the communities.

In a remark, the director of the centre, Prof. Mabel Onwuka, said most conflicts are avoidable, noting that conflicts hinder rural development and entrench widespread poverty among others.

Onwuka identified causes of conflicts to include political differences, fake news, religious intolerance, diverse cultural beliefs, among others, urging women to respect, tolerate and accommodate others.

She enjoined women organisations to collaborate for periodic trainings, capacity building, engaging youths in profitable ventures and take advantage of the presence of the university.

Speaking, the president of the university’s women association, Dr. Nkechi Iwe, said women are peace builders and enjoined the participants to take the lead in ensuring peace and development in the communities.

The deputy director of the centre, Dr. Nkechi Achi, in her comments implored the participants to take advantage of the knowledge gained to promote peace and development in their communities.

Similarly a member of the centre, Mr. Chibueze Onyejuruwa commended the participants for their attendance, adding that the centre was making efforts to sustain the workshop.

Responding on behalf of other participants, the women leader of Olokoro community, Madam Louisa Ogu, appreciated the organisers for the workshop and assured that they would apply the knowledge gained in full.