Makurdi LG Chairman makes cash donation to empower TAHAV women cooperative

By Benedicta Aboh

In a bid to boost economic resilience among vulnerable women, the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area (LGA), Chief Joseph Keffi, has made a generous donation of N1 million to the TAHAV Women Cooperative Society.

The donation aims to support the beneficiaries of the Promoting Women’s Economic Resilience (POWER) Project and strengthen the business activities of the cooperative, which consists of women displaced by conflict and residing in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and host communities.

The presentation of the donation took place during a Social Media and Visibility Training session held at the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD) in Makurdi, which focused on enhancing digital marketing skills to boost the visibility of the women's businesses.

The event also marked the distribution of starter packs to the cooperative members, aimed at helping them scale up their businesses.

The POWER Project, a collaborative effort between the Centre for Redefining Alternative Civic Engagement (RACE) and the Gender and Environmental Risk Reduction Initiative (GERI), is funded by the Embassy of France in Nigeria through the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC).

It focuses on equipping women affected by conflict with vocational skills, business management knowledge, and cooperative development support.

In his remarks at the event, Chairman Keffi expressed admiration for the progress made by the cooperative, noting the positive impact on the women’s lives. "I am truly impressed by what I have seen here today. Empowering women with practical skills and business knowledge is crucial to strengthening families and communities.

"This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting grassroots programs that promote self-reliance and sustainable economic growth," he said.

Initially, the donation was scheduled to be made at the end of the month, but the enthusiasm and appreciation shown by the beneficiaries moved the Chairman to fulfill his promise on the spot.

The women cheered as the N1 million donation was made immediately after the announcement, further energizing the cooperative’s members to continue expanding their businesses and improving their livelihoods.

Mr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, the Director-General of the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD), praised Keffi's swift and supportive leadership.

"This donation not only complements the ongoing efforts of the POWER Project, but it also underscores the crucial role that local government can play in driving sustainable development.

"It’s a testament to what can be achieved when local and international stakeholders work together to support women’s economic empowerment " he said.

The donation is expected to provide a significant boost to the cooperative’s ongoing activities, enabling the beneficiaries to expand their businesses, increase household incomes, and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

Beneficiaries expressed renewed hope and confidence that the additional support would propel their ventures to new heights.

"This donation is another game-changer for us," said one of the cooperative members. "We now have more resources to expand our business and contribute even more to the well-being of our families and community."

As the POWER Project continues to make strides in promoting women’s economic resilience, the partnership between the Makurdi LGA and international development organizations remains crucial in driving long-term, transformative change for women in Benue State.

With such continued support, the TAHAV Women Cooperative Society is poised for further success in its mission to uplift women and their families, making a lasting impact on the local economy and society at large