Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has called for sustained economic empowerment and financial inclusion programmes for Nigerian women to enhance sustainable national development.

The governor stated this at the inauguration of officials and members of the Steering Committee of the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), a World Bank initiative, on Wednesday in Asaba.

Sunny Ekedayen, commissioner for economic planning, is the Chairman, while the commissioner for women affairs, community and social development, Pat Ajudua, is the co-chairman.

Other members include the commissioners for primary education, Kingsley Ashibuogwu; water resources development, Isaac Wilkie; and agriculture and natural resources, Val Arenyeka.

Others are the commissioners for trade and investment, Samuel Oligida; information, Ifeanyi Osuoza; health, Joseph Onojaeme; environment, Ejiro Jamani; and the chief economic adviser, Dr. Barry Gbe.

The permanent secretary for women affairs, community and social development, Kevwe Agas, will serve as the secretary.

The governor lauded the World Bank for choosing Delta for the project.

He charged the chairman and members of the committee to approach the task with the seriousness it deserved.

Mr Oborevwori said that the core principles of economic empowerment, capacity-building, and social inclusion aligned perfectly with one of the pillars of his administration’s M.O.R.E agenda, which is Opportunity for All.

“The Nigeria for Women Project has already demonstrated its potential across the country as a strong platform for addressing the peculiar socio-economic challenges faced by women, particularly those at the grassroots.

“Under the ‘Opportunity for All’ component of the M.O.R.E agenda, we have expanded the political space by increasing women’s participation in the political process through appointments into key positions in government.

“Additionally, women serve as elected Vice Chairmen in most of the local governments of the state.

“This is because we recognise the inherent abilities of women to bring about social change and contribute their unique skills to the governance process.

“Like it is said, when you empower a woman, you empower a household. We know the capacity of our women; they are adding value to this government,” he said.

He stated that the state government had recently approved the M.O.R.E grant scheme to empower about 5,000 women across the state.

“As an administration, we believe that when women are empowered economically, it improves their self-worth and gives them the ability to take control of their lives.

“In fact, when women are empowered, it leads to development and happiness.

“So, I want to assure you that our administration is fully committed to the success of this programme.

“We are ready to provide all necessary support to ensure that the Nigeria for Women Project becomes a success not just in our state but across Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Michael Ilesannmi, World Bank team leader of NFWP, said the programme remains the World Bank’s flagship project for women’s economic empowerment and a transformational impact in families and communities.

He noted that the project was modelled to help vulnerable women gain access to financial inclusion and markets by creating an enabling environment for women to curb malnutrition.

In response, the chairman of the committee, Mr Ekedayen, thanked the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve.

He assured that the committee would work assiduously to ensure the success of the programme and contribute to the success of the governor’s M.O.R.E agenda.

(NAN)