…launches interest-free loan for Ekiti women
The National Women Leader of All Progressive Congress (APC), Mary Idele Alile, on Tuesday inaugurated the new office of Sister-to-Sister Initiative Worldwide at Oke-ori Omi street, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital.
The Initiative, which converged about 1000 women across the state, is a women-oriented programme existing in three continents, nine countries and over 25 states in Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at Fajuyi pavilion, Alile, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of the Initiative, said its purpose is to foster sisterhood among women and support themselves in order to realise their dreams.
She stressed that the Initiative is also fostered towards lending a helping hand to women at the last rung of the ladder, in making sure that they attain their full potentials with little or no resources.
Alile urged women in the state to create a formidable network among themselves, saying this action would make them relevant in every endeavour and spheres of life.
She also hailed the Governor of the State, Biodun Oyebanji for his giant strides across all sectors in the state,, saying his administration has created an enabling environment for women to thrive in the state.
Her words, “Sister to sister is present in four continents, nine countries and in over 25 states in Nigeria. Our mission is simple yet powerful; to foster sisterhood among women, to support each other and to uplift those in need.
“Today, we officially extend this mission to Ekiti state, a place filled with incredible women who embody strength, resilience and compassion. To the women of Ekiti state, I urge you to embrace the ethos of sister to sister. Let us be sisters indeed to one another. It is our collective responsibility to lend a helping hand, to share our resources and to empower each other.
“In doing so, we not only uplift ourselves but also create a ripple effect that strengthens our families, our communities and the state as a whole.
“The essence of sister to sister lies in connection and support together and support. Together, let us try to create a network of women uplift one another. Let us work hand in hand to tackle the challenges we face. Break barriers and celebrate our achievements. As we commission this office today, let it be a symbol of hope, solidarity and empowerment for all women.
“I also want to express our profound gratitude to the Ekiti state government for their continuous support and partnership. Your commitment to the well-being and empowerment of women in this state is commendable. Together, we are building a stronger community where every woman can thrive, contribute and realize her full potential”.
In his remarks, the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji urged members of the Initiative not to despite themselves, saying unity is necessary to move the state forward.
Oyebanji, represented by the Director General, Bureau of Community Community, Mary Oso-Omotosho said the Oyebanji-led administration prioritises the interest of women, urging them to support his administration so that the dividends of democracy can be extended to all regardless of gender.
The Ekiti State Cordinator of the Initiative, Babalola Temitope hailed members for their resilience in thriving for excellence, saying their determination and courage are needed in order to earn their desired relevance in the society.
The State’s Director of Women Affairs, Olukemi Akinleye, represented by Tehingbola Olufunmilayo commended the Initiative, while also urging them to join the Ministry in the fight against gender based violence (GBV) and female genital mutilation (FGM) for the uplift of women in Ekiti.
Other highpoints of the event were presentation of sanitary pads to girl child and launching of interest-free loan to women for business purposes.
