By Chinyere Ogbuagu/Ukpa Ewa
The Secretary to Anambra State Government (SSG) and Chair Multi-Sectorial Coordinating Structure (MCS), of the Anambra State Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (AN-NFWP-SU) Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, has urged stakeholders in Njikoka Local Government Area to support and promote the successful implementation of the programme to ensure sustainable economic empowerment for women across the area.
Mrs. Nnake made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement and advocacy meeting with all the Traditional Rulers, President Generals, Women Leaders and Youth Leaders from all the Communities in Njikoka LGA held on July 28, at Secretariat Headquarters, Njikoka Local Government Area ahead of the commencement of the Anambra NFWP-SU Community Entry activities in the Local Government Area.
Speaking at the meeting, Mrs. Nnake expressed delight that Njikoka was among the LGAs selected to benefit from the programme, noting that although the initiative began in 2022, its full implementation commenced in 2026.
She attributed the programme’s implementation in Anambra to the support and commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo (Oluatoegwu), and urged stakeholders to fully support it.
According to her, I have promised the governor that he will see real women whose lives and status will change because of this programme. We had an APGA event two weeks ago, and stories were told of how this programme helped women in communities. They formed groups and became financially and economically empowered. That is how we want the women of Anambra to be,” she said.
The SSG added, “The time has passed when women were only known for clapping and singing. Women are important, and this programme is an avenue to empower them.”
She explained that the programme, which initially covered three LGAs—Aguata, Njikoka and Ogbaru—was expanded to include three additional LGAs: Ayamelum, Ihiala and Awka South, in line with the State Government’s commitment to achieving greater impact.
Mrs. Nnake disclosed that the programme is targeting 6,000 Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) to benefit from this project. She urged stakeholders to mobilise women aged 18 years and above to form WAGs and actively participate in the programme. She also encouraged Njikoka LGA to aim for outstanding results by ensuring that women can share clear stories of how the programme has improved their lives.
Mrs. Nnake stressed that the selection of Ward Facilitators would be based on merit and not political considerations, describing the programme as a home-grown initiative that should be owned and supported by the people.
She commended Governor Soludo for giving Njikoka the opportunity to benefit from the programme and wished him a happy birthday, as the meeting coincided with his birthday.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Njikoka LGA, Barr. Chinedu Ononiba, thanked the stakeholders for attending the meeting and urged them to spread the message to their various wards and encourage women to participate actively.
He also thanked the SSG for her support and pledged the commitment of Njikoka LGA to making the programme successful across its communities.
“Poverty is not good. Women will be trained on how to save, and from there, they can improve their lives. Many people complain about unemployment, but now there is a way forward. Please join this movement and be empowered,” he said.
Representing the traditional rulers of Njikoka, the traditional ruler of Abba, Igwe Leonard Ezeh, said that saving money was as important as making money. He noted that many wealthy people did not come from rich families but became successful because they learned how to save and manage their resources.
The monarch assured the project team that the communities would mobilise their women and support the successful implementation of the programme in Njikoka.
Earlier, the Local Government Field Supervisor (LFS), Mrs. Amaka Azodo, said the meeting was organised to sensitise stakeholders and secure their support in mobilising women across the wards ahead of the community entry exercise.
Presentations were also made by the State Project Coordinator, Livelihood Adviser and Gender-Based Violence Anchor on the formation of Women Affinity Groups, livelihood collectives and the “Do No Harm” principle.
Other dignitaries at the meeting included the Head of Local Government Administration, Local Government Secretary, Local Government Treasurer, and Member Representing Njikoka Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly.
The meeting ended with an ogene dance and cultural performances.
Chinyere Ogbuagu and Ukpa Ewa are of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
