“You look around Nigeria, and you see that a lot of people are suffering not because they are not intelligent or able, but because of the difficult economic cycle we are going through,” he said.

Eze emphasised the importance of community support, revealing that ADU Lagos had initiated a financial assistance programme to provide small loans to women in need. Initially sceptical about repayment, he was impressed that every beneficiary returned the borrowed funds, allowing the cycle to continue.

“We expanded the programme so more people could benefit. Those who have been fortunate must remember their duty to help others,” he added.
Eze also praised Asaba women for their resilience, recalling their pivotal role during and after the Nigerian Civil War.

“After the Asaba massacre, when almost all the men were killed, many thought Asaba was finished. But the women took charge. Their sacrifices and dedication helped rebuild the community, ensuring children still went to school and families survived,” he stated.
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He acknowledged the contributions of the Asaba Ladies’ League, which provided post-war support, and underscored how the spirit of empowerment has remained a key trait of Asaba women.

The president of ADU Lagos Branch, Dr Eugenia Nkiruka Taiye Williams, reiterated the group’s commitment to empowering women, especially those without stable sources of income.

“For 20 years, we have been working to bring Asaba women together, both wives and daughters. We provide financial support with interest-free loans for small businesses, allowing them to repay in manageable instalments,” she explained.

She added that the union also distributes palliatives every two to three months to support struggling women. Looking ahead, she hopes to push for job opportunities for women through advocacy with key decision-makers.

Encouraging women to become financially independent, Williams urged them not to rely solely on their husbands.

“Women should have something for themselves whether as traders, businesswomen, or career professionals. If you depend entirely on your husband, you don’t know what tomorrow holds,” she advised.
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