Empowerment: Commissioner for Women Affairs Lauds FONWIP

Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Idaomi Esq. has commended the Forum of Nigeria Women in Politics, FONWIP for giving voice, hope and economic lifelines to women with the disbursement of interest free loans to the 6th batch of beneficiaries.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social development, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien made the commendation during the presentation of the 6th Batch Revolving Interest Free loan to beneficiaries by FONWIP in Benin City.

According to the Commissioner who was the chairman of the women empowerment program, by focusing on uplifting vulnerable women, widows and victims of domestic violence through the disbursement of interest free loans, FONWIP is doing more than supporting small- scale businesses, but sowing the seeds of dignity, resilience, and self-sufficiency.

“Let me applaud the vision, consistency and commitment of FONWIP. This forum has over the years distinguished itself as a catalyst for change- giving voice, hope, and economic lifelines to women who need it most and today’s outreach is yet another testament to that impact.

“To the beneficiaries of this program, I Congratulate you. You are not defined by your circumstances, but by your courage to rise above them.

” These interest free loans are not just financial tools, they are instruments of transformation. Use them widely, grow your businesses, empower others and most importantly, believe in the strength that lies within you” she added.

The President/Founder FONWIP, Hon, D’Ness Amb. Florence Gbinigie JP, Ph.D who was represented by Mrs. Joy Adodo congratulated the beneficiaries of this 6th batch for scaling through the screening and advised them to step up in putting more efforts into their business for greater yield.

“We sincerely thank our partner, Kingdom International Ministries, being led by Apostle Christopher and Lakiesha Colander of the USA for their constant donations of various items to the orphanage home.

“This empowerment has been ongoing constantly twice yearly for the past four years. The targeted participants for this economic empowerment are women, which include the poor women, survivors of domestic violence, the trafficked and widows.

“We visit the orphanage home with cooked food and raw food stuffs, clothing, school supplies,toys etc.

“We extend our thanks to individual donors, particularly Overseer Veronica Colander who personally has given out grants through Jewelry sales by the beneficiary, to raise funds. One such beneficiary is Pastor Lizzy Osaherunwen, whose business as grown as well.

The guest speaker, Barr. Francis Abbe in his paper titled, ” Keys to a successful business ” urged the beneficiaries of the interest free loans to adopt effective financial management and to have a clear idea of what they want to use the loan for.

There were testimonies from previous beneficiaries and presentation of cheques by the representative of the Commissioner to beneficiaries.