Melvin Onwubuke
The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issue, has empowered 200 women by providing them with Point of Sale (POS) machines and N4 million as a start-off grant.
The Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Osato Ekhator announced this development on Monday and pointed out that it was an initiative dedicated to celebrating and promoting women’s economic empowerment, according to nairametrics.
The distribution of POS machines and grants started on Friday, with 75 women benefiting on the first day, and an additional 125 set to receive theirs later in the week.
The initiative aims to foster the financial independence of the beneficiaries, enabling them to navigate the challenges of the changing economic environment.
The program is a collaborative effort involving the Edo State Government, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and other partners.
Osato Ekhator explained that the government is committed to ensuring that 200 women benefit from this program, pointing out that POS machines and N20,000 grants for each beneficiary are instrumental in supporting women on their journey to self-sufficiency.
He said “The Edo State Government has ensured that 200 women benefitted from this programme. Seventy-five got their POS machine on Friday with the N20,000 grant each, while others will get theirs this week.
“Hopefully, it will help them become self-sufficient as they navigate this ever-changing world.”
The work of the organization to empower women in various spheres has been highlighted by the coordinator of Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ, Joel Zombu. He stressed that GIZ is working with Nigeria to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises as well as youth and women in improving their business management.