The Women Affairs Committee of the Lagos Chapter of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) has empowered 30 underprivileged Nigerians drawn across the federation with various professional start-up kits worth thousands of naira and sent others for skills acquisition training of their choice.
Speaking at the organisation’s second edition of the empowerment programme organised by the Women Affairs Committee, Lagos Chapter of MMI, and held at Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos, last Saturday, with a theme of ‘Arise, Let’s Light the Candle’, the international president of the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibio people worldwide, Akparawa James Edet, reiterated the commitment of MMI to the upliftment of the living standards of members and underprivileged members of society in general, especially women and youths, saying that it is a top priority of the organisation.
The 11th International President of MMI, who was represented at the event by his wife, Akparawa-Anwan Grace James Edet, commended the organisers for the laudable vision and the chapter in general for standing out and making a difference in all ramifications, saying that the most effective and pragmatic approach to unemployment and poverty is skills acquisition through strategic empowerment and training for the beneficiaries to be economically independent and self-reliant.
In his address, Lagos Chapter Chairman of the organisation, Akparawa Uwem Idaha, while applauding women of the chapter for their love, trust, confidence and belief in his vision and leadership to drive the chapter effectively and make an exceptional impact, reassured that ‘MMI Greater Lagos Chapter is poised to set new standards in welfare services and redefine the future of the vulnerable or less privileged ones in society.
Idaha thanked the international president of the organisation for his encouragement, support, prayers, approval and belief in the capacity of the Greater Lagos Chapter to embark on more innovative ventures and achievements.
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In her speech, the Chairperson of the Women Affairs Committee of the chapter, Akparawa-Anwan Anna Akpan, while appreciating the leadership of MMI for giving women the platform and opportunity to showcase their God’s given potential, especially embarking on life-changing and welfare projects, said, “The empowerment programme is aimed at fostering the growth and development of underprivileged citizens to build a society of strong, happy, united and empowered citizens by equipping them with the right skills set and values to foster financial freedom with the result of making them good citizens of our dear nation.
“As mothers, we are worried about the unacceptably high rates of youth unemployment and skill shortages; hence, the need for us to give back to society by filling the gaps in these areas of need. This programme will go a long way towards creating employment, alleviating poverty and ultimately reducing the rate of crime in our society.
This laudable programme, as we all know, requires funding; hence, we appeal to well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, stakeholders and the government at all levels to collaborate with us to sponsor this great project. We assure you that we will acknowledge and celebrate your generous financial contributions, provide regular updates on their progress, and ensure accountability for all donations.”
Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Akparawa Ubon Nsuabia, said empowerment is about giving. He commended the organisers and reminded the beneficiaries of the parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14–30 of a master who was leaving his house to travel and entrusted his property to his servants according to the ability of each of them.
Nsuabia urged the beneficiaries to learn the biblical reference lesson and be prudent with what they have benefited from.
Other speakers at the event, including Barr. (Mrs.) Deborah Emawodia, Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro, Akparawa Churchill Udoh and Otuekong Ubong Jackson, etc., in their presentations and goodwill messages, congratulated women of the Lagos Chapter of MMI for their initiative and called for more support for the project.
The highlights of the event were the cutting of the second edition anniversary cake, the cultural display, and the presentation of various tools to the beneficiaries, who in return expressed their appreciation to the organisers for the gesture and presentation of awards to a few deserving individuals, including the wife of the 11th International President, Akparawa-Anwan Grace James Edet, as a ‘Role Model of the organisation, Akparawa Ubong Jackson, Akparawa Churchill Udoh and Mr. George Udom.
