Ikpeazu tasks Nigerians on entrepreneurship, hard work 

Former governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has advised Nigerians to imbibe the culture of entrepreneurship and hard work to fully benefit from the government and private empowerment programmes.

The governor, who spoke during the launching of the empowerment fund and award ceremony of the Ngwa Women Cultural Association in Lagos, lamented that some Nigerians are in the habit of ruining businesses set up for them during empowerment programmes.

This, he said, discourages philanthropists and other well-meaning groups from embarking on such ventures.  President of the women’s group, Mrs Adaku Nwaogwugwu, in her welcome address, explained that the aim of the empowerment is to provide financial support to members through the establishment of cooperative society.

“It is also to provide financial intelligence by inculcating in them the habit of setting aside an amount for savings, bridging the gap in access to education and skills development, as well as fostering entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

“Ngwa Women Cultural Association is a socio-cultural association of married women in Nagaland, Abia State. Our key objective, among other things, is to uphold the culture of Ngwa land and to facilitate cooperation and understanding among members to find solutions to common problems and promote the interest and well-being of our members.’’

“We also know that empowered individuals, empower others. When you empower a woman, you have empowered the family. We, therefore, solicit your support in this course as you give generously to empower women.   

“Remember, empowerment is a collective responsibility and together, we can break barriers and create a brighter future. We assure you that your donations will be judiciously utilised,” she pledged.

The Chairperson, of the organising committee of the event, Mrs Nwamara Nnaji, said the event was organised to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of the people.

Nnaji, a chartered accountant, who urged for massive support in her remarks, said the intended empowerment programme is in line with the purpose for which the association was formed. 

“We are here to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we plan to empower and those we have deemed to award.

“This event marks a significant milestone in our association’s journey as we continually strive to do more in impacting and lending hands to the less privileged in society and even among ourselves,” she said, adding that the awardees have distinguished themselves in their field of endeavours, including past presidents, for their contributions to the growth of the association.