An appeal has been made to women and girls to continue to strive towards becoming self sustaining to avoid being victims of sexual based violence, just as food items were presented to orphans in Benin City
The appeal was made by Pastor Christopher Colander, Founder of Free Grace Worship Center, United States of America, during the presentation of gifts to orphans and financial empowerment to women by Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics, FONWIP as part of the 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence Against Women and Girls held at the Restoration Anointed Fellowship Benin City
According to him, “ no woman should be victimized and the men should always support the women to succeed. Women are powerful and God is expecting them to be a blessing and not to give excuses, that is why they have to be self sustaining by being good managers of resources.”
While advising the women who received the empowerment given to them, Pastor Colander said, “We are all equal before the lord . When you serve God, your source will be from Him and He will supply all your needs. Do not allow your heart be troubled.”
“With the empowerment you have received today, if properly used, you will become self sustaining and I know greater increase is coming your way if you are faithful” he added
A former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Edo State, Hon Florence Igbinigie, who is the President of FONWIP advised the nine women who benefited from the revolving interest free loan to be focus and grow their businesses to ensure that they are self sustaining.
According to her, Free Grace Worship Centre in the United States of America is collaborating with FONWIP to reach out to the women and orphans with financial support to mark the 16 days of activism against gender based violence on women and girls
“They see what we are doing as FONWIP and they decided to join us in the second batch of empowerment for the women and visit to Tender Heart orphanage where food items, water and gifts were presented to the children in the mood of Christmas,” she added.
She disclosed that FONWIP will continue to support women ambition in politics, join forces to fight against gender based violence and ensure the rights of women in government at all levels are protected.
While urging the women to be the best at whatever they are doing, Hon Igbinigie noted that the number of those benefiting from the N100,000 loan was increased to nine women to make them free from gender based violence.
“You should all work towards becoming lenders and not borrower. God is our supplier and if you believe in him, you will get what you want. Be focus and use the money well,” she added.
At the Tender Heart Orphanage and charity Home, the founder, Deaconess Margaret Ize-Iyamu expressed appreciation on behalf of the children to the Free Grace Worship Centre and FONWIP for the presentation of food stuffs and gifts to the children.
