Determined to make women self-reliant, thus preventing and curbing malnutrition, the Ministry of Trade and Investment in collaboration with the Delta State Committee on Food and Nutrition, has held a one-day capacity building workshop for women groups on the essence of cooperative societies in three local government areas of Udu, Ughelli South and Isoko South.
Speaking in Otu-Jeremi, venue of Udu and Ughelli South Local Government areas cluster, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning, Mr Frank Isume, said the capacity building was another step in curbing the cycle of malnutrition and stunting in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, who is the chairman of the state committee on food and nutrition, represented at the event by Dr Jomo Ikpen, said the capacity building aims at encouraging women to embrace cooperative societies in their businesses as cooperatives, especially in the rural areas, help in eradicating poverty and hunger.
He said the state government is desirous of having a state where all women are prosperous, empowered, productive, and gainfully employed in line with Sustainable Development Goals 1,2 and 5, adding that cooperative societies are vital mechanisms in transforming vulnerable women into successful entrepreneurs.
In her address, the vice chairman of Ughelli South LGA, Hon. Happy Mukoro, expressed gratitude to the state committee on food and nutrition for the initiative of combating malnutrition through women empowerment.
“I must express my appreciation to the state government and this committee for their efforts in improving the nutrition and health of our people. Less than three weeks ago, this committee was in this LGA to advocate for budget creation for nutrition activities and, today, another initiative.
“On behalf of the chairman and people of this council area we appreciate your efforts and assure of our commitment to support the formation of cooperatives and make Ughelli South a nutrition pacesetter,” Hon. Mukoro said.
Similarly, the vice chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Theresa Ikrike, underscored the importance of business and cooperative societies, describing cooperative societies as “the solution for hunger”.
“I am a serial business woman; I have been doing business and still in business despite being vice chairman of this council. Isoko women are known for their industrious nature; we don’t fold our arms and rely on our husbands to cater for us,” Hon. Ikrike said
She urged participants to make use of the knowledge of the capacity building to improve their business skills and nutrition of their families, promising to attract and secure government grant loans to the women.
Mr Johnson Idoghor, a resource person, lectured participants on how to pool funds as cooperators for the benefit of members and how to sustain and strengthen businesses, explaining that the cooperative societies, especially in the agricultural and business sectors, play a crucial role in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.
He disclosed that cooperatives could help small- and medium-scale farmers and traders add value to their production and gain access to wider markets.
“Cooperatives follow core values and principles that are critical to doing business in an equitable manner; that seeks to empower and benefit its members and the community it is inserted in.
“This is especially relevant in poor rural communities, where joining forces is central to promoting sustainable local development,” he said.
Another resource facilitator, Mr Efe Tejere, lectured on how to access funding for small businesses, including starting and growing a business to become successful. Participants were exposed to various options in business financing such as grants, micro, small and medium enterprises and keeping records, taking risks and being focused on one’s business.
