Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics (FONWIP), in collaboration with Kingdom International Ministry, USA, has empowered women in Edo State with interest-free loans to promote and support their businesses.
The gesture is to provide opportunities for women to thrive and excel, President of FONWIP, Hon. Florence Gbinigie, said during the presentation of the interest-free loans to six women.
According to Gbinigie, the first batch was made up of three widows, while the second had nine beneficiaries of widows, single mothers, abused, and the poor.
“Their business enhancement and success stories have led to our gathering here today to proceed with the next batch,” sshe said.
While expressing appreciation to all who have supported the laudable project financially, materially, prayerfully and physically, Hon. Gbinigie stressed on the need for legislation and every means possible to increase the number of women in positions of authority, both elected and appointed, in order to bridge every gap that exists because it poses a hindrance to women’s development for a better society.
“The amount given to the beneficiaries of this interest-free loan is based on requests made by the intending beneficiaries. They are screened by the committee set up for the purpose, chaired by Hon. Eghe Favor Oseki,” Gbinigie said.
She said she was pleased that the committee had been doing marvelously well according to expectations.
She further said after receiving the loan, the capacities of the women are constantly built by a professionally experienced expert to boost their businesses and prevent bankruptcy.
“The enthusiasm shown by the women and the zeal they introduced into their businesses led to the prompt reform of the loan guidelines to enable more categories of women benefit from the kind gesture.
“According to the testimonies of the beneficiaries, their businesses have blossomed and they can now fend for their families and themselves in a very responsible manner, despite their challenges of no husband or family support. They no longer go through any form of violence or abuse due to their economic independence and support in the home,” she said.
Gbinigie appreciated US-based Free Grace Worship Center, now known as Kingdom International Ministries, for their collaboration with FONWIP which started in 2022.
“The leadership of the ministry, Pastor Christopher Colander, joined us in 2022 and was physically present with his Nigeria counterpart, Pastor Vincent Ogbebor, to lend their support.
“Also, Veronica Colander who brought in jewelry to support with a specific instruction to use them in raising funds to start a business with no specified amount attached to it,” she said.
Gbinigie said although the first beneficiary of the loan scheme absconded with the funds raised, Veronica Colander wasn’t discouraged but continued with another woman.
“Although the turkeys purchased from the proceeds by the second beneficiary was stolen, Veronica went further to raise some cash, which was sent to her directly, for the purchase of another turkey with a success story.
“This time around, we’re grateful to Hon. Omorede Osifo who purchased some of the jewelry and contributed twenty-five thousand naira (N25,000) in support,” she said.
Earlier, food items such as bags of beans and cooked rice and chicken, clothes, toiletries, school items, sanitary pads, shoes and slippers were presented to Tender Heart Orphanage Home to support their welfare and upkeep.
Amongst the guests present during the presentation ceremony was the Member representing Ovia South West Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Destiny Enabulele.
