By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
President, Anambra State Women Association in Lagos (ASWAL), Mrs. Rita Okoli, has urged Nigerian women not to “sit down and look.” Rather, they should be engaged in meaningful trade that “will assist them and their families in the present economic challenges.
• Mrs. Rita Okoli (4th left) with others cutting the thanksgiving cake
She made this known during a recent thanksgiving: “The home front is mostly affected today, therefore, women should engage in a trade that will provide food for the family and make little savings for the family.
“It is a time to appreciate God for His goodness and every good thing that He has done for us in this association. This year, we introduced innovation that warrants us to do things differently.
“We are not hosting Anambra Day this year, so, we decided to hold a thanksgiving service instead. The essence is to appreciate God for what He has giving us, what He has done for us and for the things that He is going to do.
“There has been several empowerment programmes for women and substantial amount of money given to the women to start various businesses. For those who do not have capital, the association gave them sewing machines to assist them in their businesses.
“As a woman, I do not sit down to look, but rather engage in meaningful trade that is assisting my family. I advise that all women should help in the provision for their families and make some little savings.”
Representative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Commissioner for Culture, Toruism and Entertainment, Mr. Don Onyenji, promised to take what he saw back to the governor:
“There is no part of the world where an Anambra man cannot be seen. An Anambra man turns stone to gold, because of their industrious attitude.”
He encouraged the women “to continue in the good work they are doing.”
Special guest of honour, Mrs. Chinwe Nwene, delivered a lecture on stress management, time management and financial empowerment. She advised women to have forgiving spirit: “Grudges do not give room to progress in life.
“The company you keep also matters.” She urged women to improve on themselves, “so as to step up in life. Every woman should be empowered financially. The issue that my husband does not bring money for food is a long dead adage.
“The fact that your husband does not bring money is not an excuse. As a woman, what do you bring into the table every month? You should empower yourself financially as a woman.”
Chairman, Planning Committee, Mrs. Uju Emenike Achichadindu, appreciated the women for their selfless donations to make the thanksgiving a success. She promised that the second edition would be better than the maiden edition.
Activities at the event included dancing and essay competitions. More than 78 towns were represented. Guests also included Anambra State Liaison Officer in Lagos, Chief Leo Chiegboka and Prof Virgi Onyeli.