NGO empowers displaced women in Yola

An Abuja based NGO, Wakiliyan Mata Empowerment Initiative has distributed N1 million to 100 internally displaced women in Yola, Adamawa.

Speaking during the presentation of the grant at the IDPs camp, Bajabure , at the week end, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor , the Chairman of the organisation, said that the gesture was to help women who were affected by insurgency to financially recover.

Ikeazor, who was the former Interim National Women Leader of the APC, said that more than 100 women would be empowered under the programme.

``We target not less than 100 internally displaced women from Borno and Adamawa states who are now living in various camps.

``The rationale behind the initiative is to help the women to be financially independent even after they returned to their respective towns and villages,” Ikeazor said.

She pointed out that one of the objectives of the organisation was to restore the dignity and respect of the affected women.

She explained that the money distributed was not free of charge, but it was interest free loan based on trust.

According to her, the beneficiaries were divided into two groups in Adamawa and Borno, and the money was given out to them based on individual demand and type of her business.

``There is no specific time to recover the money, and that the fund is only meant for business.

``They are only allowed to use some part of the profit to pay their children school fees or hospital bill,” Ikeazor added.

She warned the beneficiaries not to use the money for ceremonial contribution or unnecessary extravagance.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Leader of the women, Mrs Hauwa Solomon, thanked the organisation for identifying with them.

``We don’t have any word to commend you, but still we pray the Almighty to reward and guide you in this wonderful programme to touch more lives,” Solomon said.

She promised that the money given to them would judiciously be used for the intended purpose.