BENIN CITY — The Edo State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Chief Barr. Bisi Idaomi, has commended the Forum of Nigeria Women in Politics (FONWIP) for sustaining its economic empowerment drive through interest-free revolving loans for women in the state.
The Commissioner, represented by a Director in the ministry, Mrs Betty Idialu, gave the commendation during the presentation of the seventh batch of loans to beneficiaries in Benin City.
She described FONWIP’s intervention as consistent and compassionate, noting that the revolving loan scheme has significantly uplifted women economically and strengthened household incomes.
“These seven seasons of empowering women through interest-free revolving loans are about giving women the capacity to stand tall and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said, urging beneficiaries to nurture the financial support as a seed for sustainable growth.
In her keynote address, Prof. Mrs Margaret Abikwi advised beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously and maintain strict financial discipline, stressing that women’s empowerment is about transforming lives rather than dispensing charity.
President and Co-founder of FONWIP, Deaconess Florence Gbinigie congratulated beneficiaries for successfully scaling through the screening process and urged them to intensify efforts in their businesses for improved productivity and profitability.
She cautioned that the loans were strictly for business purposes.
“This money is not free and is not meant for buying clothes or living an extravagant lifestyle. Defaulters will be held liable and prosecuted alongside their guarantors,” she warned.
Gbinigie expressed appreciation to the organisation’s partners, Kingdom International Ministries, led by Apostle Christopher, Lakeisha Colander and Veronica Colander of the United States, for their sustained support.
She disclosed that the empowerment initiative has been conducted twice yearly over the past six years, targeting poor women, survivors of domestic violence, victims of trafficking and widows.
In a paper titled, “Qualities of a Good Business Woman to Manage a Successful Enterprise,” Barr. F.E. Abbe advised beneficiaries to prioritise prompt repayment to ensure continuity of the revolving scheme, warning that failure to repay could attract legal consequences.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Eugene Adalla, represented by Mrs Eseosa Onebamoi, also lauded the initiative and called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to complement government efforts in tackling poverty and social vulnerability.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries, special gifts to women with consistent business performance, and testimonies from previous recipients who narrated how the loans helped them expand and stabilise their enterprises.
