By Lizzy Carr
A Non-Governmental Organization, Langa Women Development Initiative, has empowered 50 women and girls in Bauchi State with entrepreneurship skills and access to finance to enhance their self-reliance.
The intervention was carried out under the Small Scale Project Fund of the Development Exchange Center (DEC), with support from Bread for the World, targeting beneficiaries in Kafin Tafawa and Tsakanin Bayara communities in Bauchi Local government area.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held after six months of training, the Executive Director and founder of the Initiative, Dr. Grace Maikudi, said the programme was designed to equip participants with practical skills for economic independence.
She explained that ten beneficiaries underwent intensive training in sewing and bag making, while forty others were trained in rice processing and brown powder production.
Dr. Maikudi further disclosed that two Village Savings and Loans Associations Aminchi and Nasara were established to provide financial support and encourage savings among the women.
According to her, ten of the trainees were provided with sewing machines to enable them start their businesses, adding that the organization would closely monitor beneficiaries to ensure proper use of the equipment.
She commended the Development Exchange Center for supporting the initiative and urged the beneficiaries to build on the knowledge acquired and extend it to others.
“I want you all to continue learning, become experts in your trades, and also train others,” she advised.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of the Development Exchange Center Mrs Helen Abba who was represented by the program officer on health Esther Bala described the programme as a journey of growth and achievement, commending the participants for their dedication and active involvement.
Representative of Bauchi State ministry of women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Monica appreciated the organization for empowering the women and girls.
The Village Head of Kafin Tafawa, Ibrahim Shehu Yakubu, also lauded the initiative for bringing development to the community and urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the skills acquired.
Highlights of the event included the exhibition of products made by the trainees, who expressed gratitude to the Langa Women Development Initiative for the opportunity.
One of them a young widow and a mother of one could not hide her tears of joy as she said Langa Women Development Initiative has given her a lifeline to take care of her daughter.
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