NGO trains, equips 150 divorced women with starter packages in Bauchi

By Samuel Luka, Bauchi

A Non-governmental organization known as Better Life Restoration Initiative has trained 150 divorced women drawn from various communities of Shira Local Government area of Bauchi State.

The beneficiaries who have no means of economic sustenance and skill benefited from an empowerment programme to enable them support themselves and their family members.

Speaking during the distribution of the items in Shira on Thursday, the team Lead, Better Life Restoration Initiative, Mr. Ogadinma Nkem Ogbonnaya, said that the Initiative is been supported by Development Exchange Centre (DEC).

According to him, the initiative provided financial inclusion to the women by facilitating their Bank Verification Number BVN enrolment, NIN registration, opening of bank accounts and ATM cards.

He said the Initiative had trained the women divorcees on groundnut oil production, pomade production, Popcorn making and local hand fan.

“We have trained them on saving scheme within the communities, also we have given some beneficiaries Point of Sale (PoS) machines and established 3 Savings Internal Lending Communities (SILC) groups,” he added.

Earlier in a goodwill message, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Shira, represented by his Deputy, Adamu Usman said Shira local council will continue to support initiatives that are beneficial to the development of its people.

He commended the NGO for selecting Shira as the benefiting council among the 20 LGAs in the State.

Also Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Ramotu Ibrahim said she was part of a project introduced by Better Life Restoration Initiative where divorcees were trained on literacy, numeracy, life skills, and livelihood training.

Ramatou, aged 60 who was divorced 10 years ago said, “in all my life, I have never operated an account nor Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card. I have no business other than farming but now we have taught on different aspects of business and how to manage a business within our communities.”

She added that economic hardship has thrown many of the divorced women into shameful practices and begging.

She however, expressed gratitude to the initiators that their contribution has led many of fellow divorcees to now have ideas on what to do, how to do it and the equipments needed to do it.