Epe Local Government has partnered with the Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN) and the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), Nigeria and USA, to empower women in Epe Local Government Areas of Lagos State.
The Chairman, Surah Amimashaun disclosed this recently at the Council Hall during a mentorship stakeholders meeting with COWAN and various women’s associations in Epe.
The programme, she said, is aimed at empowering women with cash gifts from COWAN to promote and celebrate the contributions of women in society.
She commended COWAN for the wonderful, compassionate and humanitarian initiative that will no doubt create a great level of happiness and joy for the beneficiaries.
Animashaun said, “There’s no limit to what can be made available to ensure a prosperous society and it’s on that note that I have always solicited support from notable individuals, organisations, brands and relevant socio-economic development stakeholders, especially our sons and daughters in the diaspora for more empowerment programmes. These initiatives can positively impact our community because Epe is the best local government you can think of when it comes to hospitality, tranquillity, peace, serenity and a saner climate”.
The Chairman emphasised challenges being faced by farmers and Danish sellers, which are due to the hike in prices of the tools and materials used for their commercial activities, and has caused hikes in the price of the commodities
This, she said, is the reason her administration is appealing for support that will effectively help cushion the effect of the price surge whereby a considerable and affordable price can be fixed for their commodities and items.
“I equally want to implore potential investors to strongly consider empowering our youths as well as know that they are the most vibrant and viable sector of any economy. It is important to create immense opportunities like skill acquisition programmes, career development, arts and culture that will keep them engaged while creating avenues that will help them thrive in various capacities and equally contribute positively to economic development”, Animashaun said.
The mentorship programme, she said, will help promote positive outcomes by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and giving the support that is needed to develop young people’s assets and prevent risky behaviours in our community.
In her message, the Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Camellia Bussa from the United States of America (USA), said she is overwhelmed with the kind of reception and honour given to her by women in Epe and with the commitment and dedication from Epe women.
According to Camellia, “I am in Epe to feel the pulse of the women and support in the areas of empowerment and to know the area of support and commitment towards empowering them. I would be coming from time to time to implement the plans on women empowerment and see how we can improve on what you are doing and to show that we did not just come here to observe and leave you. We would establish an office here in Lagos”.
She, therefore, advised women to form an association for more opportunities and benefits as well as to support each other and build capacities as individuals to own their businesses.
While presenting an award to the Executive Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun, the National President of COWAN, Princess Adesina Ogunleye, said she heard a lot of things about Animashaun before coming to Epe.
According to the President, “You have been a help to our women; you support them in every area of their trade and not look down on anyone. The elderly, farmers, traders and Artisans have benefited, and all the people you have trained in one empowerment or the other every three months have benefited. We will always cherish you, and this is what prompted COWAN to say we are going to honour the Chairman of Epe Local Government with an award for the good work she has been doing”.
The Chairman of the Local Government was decorated as the National Patron of COWAN in Nigeria and a member of the National Executive Council of COWAN.
