Anambra Women Affairs Commissioner, Onyekesi Urges Ikenga Women to Embrace Savings for Economic Empowerment

By Chinyere Ogbuagu/Ukpa Ewa

Women in Ikenga Community, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, have been encouraged to cultivate a culture of regular savings through Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) to improve their livelihoods and access economic empowerment opportunities under the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale Up Project (NFWP SU).

The call was made by the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Esther Onyekesi, represented by Commissioner II of the Anambra State Civil Service Commission, Mrs Philomina Okoli, during the community entry and sensitisation programme held at the Ikenga Progressive Union Secretariat.

Mrs Okoli explained that regular savings remain a key pathway to financial independence for women, noting that the project is designed to strengthen economic resilience through financial inclusion. She expressed satisfaction that Ikenga Community was among the beneficiaries of the programme.

Earlier, the traditional ruler of Ikenga, HRH Igwe Akuakandu Chukwunonso Ezekafor, Ike Ikenga III, described the initiative as a landmark intervention capable of transforming the economic fortunes of women in the community. He urged beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity and pledged the community’s full support for the programme.

The Local Government Field Supervisor, Dr Ebere Okonkwo, said the initiative was brought to Anambra by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to improve the welfare of women through sustainable livelihoods and financial inclusion. She disclosed that Aguata was selected as the pilot local government area, with plans to extend the programme across the state’s three senatorial districts.

She encouraged women to form Women Affinity Groups where members would save regularly, strengthen their businesses and become eligible for support through the Community Investment Fund. She also commended the impressive turnout, describing it as a clear demonstration of the women’s readiness to embrace development opportunities.

Community Institution Builder, Mrs Chiamaka Agbili, explained that membership of the groups is open to women aged 18 years and above who already operate businesses. She said members would receive regular training on leadership, financial management and business development, while also benefiting from access to financial institutions, health insurance services, bank account opening and National Identity Number enrolment.

Project Livelihood Advisor, Dr Ekene Adokwe, advised participants to join groups where they felt comfortable rather than following friends, noting that the Community Investment Fund is a revolving facility designed to strengthen existing businesses. He also appreciated the men who attended the sensitisation programme in support of the women.

Also speaking, the Gender Based Violence Anchor, Mrs Chinenye Ilona, stressed that the project is inclusive and open to all qualified women residing in the community, regardless of their origin. She reiterated the programme’s zero tolerance for bribery, corruption, sexual exploitation, abuse and all forms of discrimination.

In her vote of thanks, the Community Women Leader, Mrs Ezenweke Faustina, assured the project team that the women of Ikenga would apply the knowledge gained from the sensitisation and actively participate in the programme to improve their economic well being.