Excitement as ANI commissions women centre, empowers 450 women
Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
The African Nature Investors ANI has commissioned a women centre in Toungo local government area of Adamawa State to improve livelihood support for women, stirring widespread excitement among the people of the area.
The commissioning of the centre was preceded by a Trade Fair where some of the empowered women showcase some of their products aided by the support from the ANI foundation in collaboration with Rashon Renewables, a Non Governmental Organisation.
Deputy Project Manager of ANI Mr David Peter said that “it is important that we provide alternative means of livelihood for the people so that they can be able to support the activities of conservation. We understand the indispensability of the role of women and that informed the decision for this project. ANI is committed to the wellbeing of the surrounding communities”.
The Conservator-General of National Park Service (NPS), Dr. Ibrahim Goni, who was represented by ACG Mohammed Kabir, said the launch of the Women’s Centre and livelihood support to 450 women reflects the shared vision of ANI Foundation and the National Park Service to empowerment and economic transformation, and noted some of the benefits of the partnership between the NPS and ANI.
“You may recall that in October 2023, Gashaka LGA hosted one of the largest empowerment events of its kind, serving as a pilot initiative where over 1,000 women were uplifted through a similar economic empowerment event. They gained not just skills but the confidence to thrive. Beneficiaries received assets to help support their livelihoods, including Four agro-processing machines, Ten hairdressing kits, 20 sewing machines and 20 clippers.
“Additionally, Thirteen Women’s Savings and Loan Groups (SLGs) were established in Toungo. Each of these initiatives serves as a stepping stone toward economic independence and self-sufficiency for families that would otherwise depend on our dwindling resources. It is important to note that, in addition to empowering women and youth groups, our partnership also addresses the needs of pastoralists. Currently, over 100,000 cattle have been vaccinated across both sectors of the park.
“This partnership has also created jobs for our unemployed youths, over 70 Rangers have been selected, trained and are currently engaged in protecting our invaluable park resources. This effort not only strengthens our conservation initiatives but also allows the participation of the indigenous people in the management of our essential resources”.
The Adamawa State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Nedo Kafulto, who represented the State Governor said “it is gratifying to see such efforts come to life while noting the tremendous impact on women in particular and society in general. It’s an honour to stand before you this morning on behalf of the Executive Governor of Adamawa State and as well on behalf of the First Lady. I welcome each and every one of you seated here while reserving special commendations for ANI Foundation and everyone involved in this lovely initiative.”
According to Happy Amos, CEO of Roshan Renewables, the implementing partner of the scheme, over ₦30 Mn has been saved by the women’s savings and loan groups in Toungo in the course of one year.
“We don’t give them money. The arrangement is that we offer them zero interest loans, and it’s usually based on their needs. There are some women who only need N200,000 or N100,000. Some women even need just N30,000 to improve and expand their business and we give them this at zero interest rate,” she asserted
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to our Correspondent were excited and divulged how much the training and employment has transformed their lives for good.
Our Correspondent reports that the women displayed some local items that are specially packaged including locust beans, (also known as Dawadawa) peanuts oil, backed peanuts, (also none as kulikuli)
