by Nurat Uthman
The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issue, has empowered 200 women with a Point of Sale machine and N4m as a start-off grant.
The ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Osato Ekhator, who disclosed this on Monday, said the scheme was part of activities to mark the International Women’s Day, which was held on Friday.
She said that 75 women got their POS and grants on Friday while an additional 125 would start getting theirs this week.
She noted that the gesture is expected to help the women become independent.
She added that the programme was done in conjunction with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Wema Bank and other partners who are passionate about women’s empowerment.
“The Edo State Government has ensured that 200 women benefitted from this programme. Seventy-five got their POS machine on Friday with the N20,000 grant each while others will get theirs this week.
“Hopefully, it will help them become self-sufficient as they navigate this ever-changing world”, she said.
On his part, the coordinator, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Joel Zombu, noted that GIZ has implemented a lot to empower women in different spheres, as well as contributing to gender policies with the ministry.
He added that GIZ has been in collaboration with Nigeria for 50 years and also empowering MSMEs, youths and women to run their businesses better.
