By Chinyere Ogbuagu/Ukpa Ewa
More than 5,000 women in Uga Community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, are expected to benefit from the Anambra State Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (AN-NFWP-SU) as the State Project Coordinating Unit (SPCU) continued its community entry and sensitisation campaign aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment.
The sensitisation exercise, held on July 14, at the Post Office, Nkwo Uga Village, attracted a large turnout of women, who welcomed the project team with colourful traditional songs and cultural performances, reflecting their enthusiasm for the programme.
Speaking at the event, the Traditional Ruler of Uga, HRH, Igwe Chidi Ezenwugo, described the initiative as a timely intervention that would improve the economic wellbeing of women and their families.
He urged women to seize the opportunity by joining Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), stressing that the programme is designed to build sustainable businesses through savings, financial discipline and collective support, rather than the direct distribution of cash.
The monarch explained that although many women initially expected immediate financial grants, they were enlightened on the project’s phased implementation strategy. He encouraged women to engage in various trades and businesses, register with WAGs in their communities to ensure effective participation, noting that regular savings would position members to access future financial opportunities and government support. He expressed optimism that more than 1,000 WAGs would be established across the community.
Earlier, the Community Women Leader, Mrs. Uche Madukwe, said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the economic wellbeing of women.
Maduekwe explained that the project team had come to further enlighten the women on the programme and provide first-hand information. She urged participants to pay close attention to the presentations, noting that the programme would strengthen existing women groups while guiding them through the process of forming and managing Women Affinity Groups.
Responding, the State Project Coordinator of AN-NFWP-SU, Ms. Hope Okoye, commended the impressive turnout of participants and explained that the programme seeks to institutionalise Women Affinity Groups, expand financial inclusion and connect unbanked and underserved women to essential services.
She disclosed that beneficiaries would be supported to obtain National Identity Numbers (NIN), enroll in health insurance schemes, open bank accounts and access other services that would improve their businesses and livelihoods.
Ms. Okoye noted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo approved the expansion of the programme in recognition of its potential to transform the lives of women across participating communities.
“The programme is not just about accessing funds. It is about cultivating a savings culture, building sustainable livelihoods and empowering women to become economically resilient. Ward Facilitators will also be recruited to provide continuous training, mentoring and supervision,” she said.
Resource persons at the event also sensitised participants on the Community Investment Fund (CIF), the importance of forming and strengthening Women Affinity Groups, financial literacy, and the programme’s zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, social exclusion and gender-based violence.
The exercise also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants sought clarification on various aspects of the programme.
Chinyere Ogbuagu and Ukpa Ewa are of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
