Foundation Empowers Women-In-Cooperatives at Anambra State, Nigeria

…Distributes 1,000 bags of fertilisers to women farmers

…Donates 600 Sewing Machines to female entrepreneurs

The Johnbosco Onunkwo Foundation has provided 1,000 bags of fertilizer, 600 sewing machines, and additional items to women cooperative farmers and youth in Anambra State to enhance food production and ensure sufficiency.

The foundation, established by philanthropist John Onunkwo from Anambra State and a two-time gubernatorial aspirant for the All Progressives Congress, stated that the initiative aims to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in addressing the food crisis in the country.

During his speech at the exercise in Awka on Wednesday, Emmanuel Ifediata, the spokesperson for the foundation, highlighted that this initiative marks the third phase of the foundation’s women’s empowerment program. It is aimed at assisting the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in advancing the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Ifediata highlighted women’s important roles in nation-building, lamenting that, despite their importance, many women have continued to face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

This, according to him, is why the women empowerment scheme of the foundation focuses in the area of providing comprehensive support to women, equipping them with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.

He expressed that their commitment lies in fostering an environment where every woman can make a significant contribution to the nation’s growth and prosperity. This approach is in perfect alignment with the President’s agenda for human capital development, which acknowledges that investing in women is essentially an investment in the future of the country.

We have created a comprehensive strategy for empowerment that includes agriculture, vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and leadership development. Our foundation firmly believes that ensuring the nation is well-fed is essential for attaining economic stability and sustainability across all sectors.

Following President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to enhance food production and security, the Johnbosco Onunkwo Foundation distributed truckloads of free yam seedlings to cooperative farmers, women, and youth in the state in April.

Following this, the foundation is set to distribute over 1,000 bags of 50 kg fertilizer to cooperative farmers, women, and youth in the state. This fertilizer distribution is part of our foundation’s 2024 agricultural program, which began in April with the delivery of truckloads of yam seedlings to various farmers’ groups and women throughout the state.

Ifediata expressed confidence that this initiative will assist President Tinubu’s APC government in addressing the food crisis by enhancing food production. Following the distribution of fertilizers, sewing, and grinding machines will be provided to women in the state to help alleviate their difficulties and equip them with sustainable income sources.

“We deeply appreciate the donor and founder of the Foundation, John Bosco Onunkwo, for his consistent interventions in human capital development in Anambra State from 2016 till date. He is a a humanitarian with a large heart. We owe him eternal gratitude for encouraging productivity that will enhance the welfare of our our people at large.

“By playing opposition politics, Anambra State is losing a lot politically, but good-spirited, core party men like Onunkwo have continued to keep the fire of the party burning in Anambra State through his culture of philanthropy, even without any reward.”

He explained that through partnerships with various stakeholders, including governmental bodies, private sector entities, and community organisations, the programmes are both inclusive and far-reaching.

Our partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs has played a crucial role in the success of our programs. Together, we are striving to fulfill the President’s vision for human capital development. We are aligning our initiatives with national policies, sharing best practices, and making the most of our limited personal resources to enhance our impact.

“We, therefore, charge the beneficiaries of these empowerment schemes to continue to support the All Progressive Congress leadership of President Bola Tinubu Tinubu and ensure that the party takes over the government of Anambra State in the next governorship election.

“We are pleased to announce that since the inception of our women empowerment scheme, we have reached over 1,768 women across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State. These women are now better equipped to contribute to their families, communities, and the nation at large. Their stories of resilience and success are a fresh testament to the power of empowerment and the transformative effect it can have on individuals and society.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, supporters, especially the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, who has pledged to use her good offices to partner with our charity organisation to improve the social condition of women in our state. Your unwavering commitment is the driving force behind our mission,” he added.

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