MRS OTTI LAUNCHES NIGERIA FOR WOMEN PROJECT IN ABIA

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

The World Bank supported Initiative “Nigeria for Women Project” has commenced the disbursement of its conditional cash transfer to women in Abia State.

The wife of Abia Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, who visited the clusters of women in Isiala Ngwa North and Obingwa Local Government Area among the local government areas selected for the pilot phase, said the aim of the project was to empower women to start up their own businesses to enable them to be financially balanced.

She explained that the interest of the present administration was on supporting the projects that would improve and empower women to assist their families and reduce crime in the state.

According to the wife of the Governor, Abia State Government has paid its counterpart funds to ensure women in the state benefit from this initiative.

She explained that this phase was the inauguration and formation of the livelihood collectives or coperatives to support women with equipment and tools for farming or trade and access to cheaper raw materials and market for their goods and services.

She further revealed that those who registered with their accurate bank details had received a credit facility of #60,000 to start their businesses she advised those who were yet to receive theirs as result of one issue or the other should exercise patience.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, explained that the grant was meant for business start up and not to be embazzlled.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU