Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has unveiled a new grassroots-oriented development strategy designed to empower women, youths and key community stakeholders across the region.
The Edo State representative on the Commission’s Governing Board, Barrister Femi Oise Agge, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meet-and-greet held in Edo State.
According to Agge, the new strategy was introduced in response to shortcomings identified in previous development interventions, some of which, he said, failed to adequately connect with the communities and people they were designed to benefit.
He said the Commission would work closely with traditional institutions, youths, women and community groups, noting that traditional leaders understand the needs of their people and can help drive development at the grassroots.
“If some people are not factored into development, then we are not going anywhere,” Agge said.
He said women would be supported through programmes targeting market women, artisans and young women in digital entrepreneurship, adding that beneficiaries would receive training as well as start-up tools and equipment.
“We don’t just train somebody and throw him or her to the street. You give the necessary tools and equipment,” he said.
Agge added that beneficiaries would be trained according to their individual talents and abilities to make the empowerment programmes more sustainable.
He also disclosed plans to ensure broad representation by involving two women from each local government area, alongside other interest groups.
In a goodwill message delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, Joy Ihensekhien on behalf of the Commissioner of the ministry, she said women’s economic inclusion remained an important part of the state’s development agenda.
She urged participants to build networks, share knowledge and identify practical areas of collaboration that would improve the lives of women across the state.
According to her, “Empower a woman with opportunity and you empower a family. Empower women collectively and you strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive society.”
One of the participants, Mrs. Juliet Eze expressed her gratitude to the South South Commission for the women empowerment programme.
She said the support has strengthened her business by allowing her to purchase goods for customers without waiting for them to pay first, enabling her to run her business more effectively.
