Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu has reiterated the desire of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s government to encourage the advancement of women in their bid to sustain and improve their livelihood in line with the World Bank Assisted benchmark.
To this end, he announced that Governor lkpeazu has approved the release of counterpart fund of one hundred million Naria for the Nigeria For Women Project in the State to enable them sustain their leading position.
Sir Oko Chukwu who announced this during the first State Steering Committee Meeting of the Nigeria For Women Project held in his office at Government House, Umuahia also reiterates the present administration’s resolve to do all it can to empower Abia women to be independent and congratulated members of the Committee for reaching the 2021 target of forming 2000 Women Affinity Groups (WAGS).
The Deputy Governor restated that he will in his capacity as the Chairman of the State Steering Committee always encourage the advancement of women.
In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Deaconess Rose Nna Urenta who disclosed that the project implementation stage is on the second component with Abia State granted approval to disburse the first individual grant to 1,623 beneficiaries said they have reached the target 2021 target of forming 2000 Women Affinity Groups and appreciated the Deputy Governor for their tremendous achievements through his support and purposeful leadership.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary and Permanent Secretary, Abia State Planning Commission, Dr Mrs Nnenna Chikezie expressed delight at the high pace Abia is being rated among participating States in teaching women to be prudent and learn to improve on their saving capacity and called for more efforts to enable them sustain the success story.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, The Very Rev Mrs Jane Omereonye and the State Project Co-ordinator, Mrs Georgina Agbagah appreciated the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu for his commitment and support towards the success of the Nigeria For Women Project in the State as well as the State Government for approving the release of their counterpart funds.
