By Okafor Nwakaego Loretta.
Umuona community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has welcomed the Anambra Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (AN-NFWP-SU), describing it as a timely initiative that will enhance the economic empowerment and livelihoods of women in the community.
The community entry and sensitization exercise, held on July 11, 2026, at Umuona Civic Centre Aguata LGA, attracted women, farmers, community leaders and other stakeholders who gathered to learn about the objectives and benefits of the programme.
Speaking during the event, the State Technical Adviser of the project, Mr. Chinedu Nwakor, said Governor Chukwuma Soludo facilitated the implementation of the programme in Anambra State to improve the economic well-being of women. He explained that the programme, implemented in collaboration with the World Bank, is designed to empower women through financial inclusion, enterprise development and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Mr. Nwakor said the community entry exercise also marked the commencement of the recruitment of Ward Facilitators, who will support the implementation of the programme at the grassroots. He explained that beneficiaries would be organized into Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), where members would save collectively, access loans, strengthen their businesses and benefit from market linkages for long-term sustainability.
The State Project Coordinator, Ms. Hope Okoye, explained that members of the Women Affinity Groups would operate under agreed constitutions and would be linked to relevant services, including health insurance schemes and business development opportunities. She noted that membership of the groups is voluntary, while participants would be properly registered and documented.
According to her, the programme focuses on institutionalizing community savings and livelihood collectives similar to the traditional Isusu system. She stressed that beneficiaries would begin with personal savings before receiving additional support from the government, adding that the initiative is designed to promote ownership, accountability and sustainable economic growth among women.
Representing the Traditional Ruler of Umuona, HRH Igwe Ikechukwu Ezeofor (KSM), the Palace Secretary, Hon. Charles Ifeabunike, said the community had been informed about the programme several weeks earlier and had fully embraced the initiative. He commended Governor Soludo for bringing the programme to the grassroots, expressing confidence that it would strengthen women economically and improve family welfare.
Hon. Ifeabunike encouraged women in the community to participate actively, noting that the programme rewards hard work rather than idleness. He expressed optimism that Umuona women would make the best use of the opportunities provided through the project.
Also speaking, the Community Women Leader, Mrs. Anaenyeonwu Obiageli, said many women in Umuona are engaged in fish farming, piggery, crop farming, palm oil production and petty trading. She expressed hope that the programme would expand their businesses, improve household incomes and raise the standard of living of families in the community.
Mrs. Obiageli appreciated Governor Soludo and the State Project Coordinating Unit for extending the programme to Umuona, describing the initiative as a major boost for women striving to improve their livelihoods.
The community entry exercise featured presentation on gender-based violence, screening and interviewing of potential Ward Facilitators, focused group discussions and Key Informant Interview aimed at strengthening community participation in the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project.
Nwakaego is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
