By Nnaya Okemini, Umuahia.
TheAbia Women Micro-Credit Scheme (AWMCS), has become richer by N21m courtesy of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Engr. Chinedum Orji.
Ikpeazu and Orji donated N20m and N1m respectively at the 2019 August Women Delegates Conference (AWADEC) , Wednesday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), in the state capital, Umuahia.
The zero-interest loan intervention for indigent woman was initiated by the wife of the governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu into the AWADEC which she inherited from her predecessor, Chief (Mrs.) Mercy
Speaking at the occasion, Ikpeazu stressed that every woman in the state should endeavour to acquire at least one skill to impact her children and as a means of alternative livelihood for her family.
Commending women for their complimentary role in the the family, he appealed to them to take strong position against the prevailing challenges of the youth such as drug-abuse, violence, cultism, unemployment and crime.
He said the theme of the conference which is “Balance for a better Abia” was very appropriate and reflected the position of his administration on women development as critical agents of positive transformation.
Similarly, Orji, who was the special guest of honour of the occasion expressed appreciation for efforts of Mrs. Ikpeazu in assisting the indigent in the state, pledging to use his position to assist her in the pursuit.
Represented by the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Hon Stanley Nwabisi, chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development expressed pleasure with the AWADEC.
Mrs. Ikpeazu in her welcome address said she is proud about what she has done with the AWADEC, adding that it has become an annual programme women look forward to with huge success.
She said her intention is to create a paradigm shift that would propel women at community level and the groups to seek self-realization, became empowered psychologically, socially, and economically.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Ndidi Okereke congratulated both the state first lady and the AWADEC.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Lady Ifeyinwa Uwasomba, said the theme of the conference was very apt and will go along way to position women for greater contributions to the society.
