A non-governmental organisation, Illuminating Minds has partnered with Global Health Systems Solutions (GHSS) to launch the Women Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program (WEEP).
The initiative aims to directly empower about 70 unemployed youths, predominantly women and youth in Bayelsa State through entrepreneurship and employability skills development.
Team Lead at Illuminating Minds, Dr. Itari Turner said, “We are excited to partner with GHSS on this vital initiative. Empowering young women and youth through entrepreneurship is a key step towards reducing unemployment and fostering economic resilience in Bayelsa State. WEEP will provide participants with the tools and confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and become agents of change in their communities.”
Professor Patrick Njukeng, the Executive Director/CEO of the GHSS during a stakeholder consultative meeting expressed optimism over the proposed project, as the communities anticipated commencement of the project. He encouraged young people in the communities to give the project a chance to nurture their ideas to fruition: “Young people, come to us, be open minded, give us a chance to guide you to kickstart a community activity that can be beneficial to you. We are here to sow seed that will be beneficial to you, and we are here to see this seed, grow, mature and bear fruits and produce more seeds for you,” Prof. Patrick said.
The organisers say the Women Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program (WEEP) will address critical issues of high youth unemployment and the economic challenges faced by women in the Niger Delta. The intervention will provide comprehensive support, including vocational training in various trades and crafts to build practical skills, mentorship by experienced entrepreneurs and professionals to ensure project success and sustainability; and grants to support business start-ups and expansions, and equip participants with the necessary skills and resources to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the economic growth of the region.
The organizations expressed their commitment to promoting inclusion and supporting underserved communities in order to bridge the widening poverty gap. “We are positive that this pilot WEEP will serve as a springboard for change, promoting gender equality and economic empowerment in select communities in Ogbia local government area in particular and the Niger Delta region at large.”
