OLIEOGO/Umuseti: In a bold move to promote financial independence and entrepreneurship among women, the EmpowerHer Entrepreneurial Training Programme successfully concluded a three-day intensive skills workshop for young women of the Olieogo Umuseti Community.
Held from October 2 to 4 at the Umuseti Town Hall under the EmpowerHer Initiative, an arm of the Umu Ezeti Virtual Town Hall Platform, the program focused on soap making, catering, and pastry craft, equipping participants with hands-on, income-generating skills aimed at fostering creativity, self-reliance, and economic empowerment.
Over 100 young women, aged 16 and above, participated, many experiencing such practical training for the first time. The workshop not only introduced new possibilities but also rekindled hope for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Skilled facilitators guided participants through every stage of production, from soap formulation to baking and pastry preparation, ensuring that each woman gained both confidence and practical competence. At the program’s conclusion, participants received certificates of participation, while the pastries they produced were shared with heads of the 11 families in Olieogo Umuseti, including senior elders, symbolizing unity and collective ownership of the initiative.
Speaking at the closing session, the Coordinator of the EmpowerHer Programme, Mr. Chuks Ododo, represented by the Head of Media, Engr. Kaine Chibuzor, urged beneficiaries to actively apply their newfound skills. “The purpose of this programme is to help our women become financially independent. It would be a great disservice if the knowledge gained is not put to use,” he said. “The Umuseti Insight Project remains committed to unlocking the potential of our people and shaping the future of Umuseti.”
The impact of the EmpowerHer Program extends beyond skill acquisition. It has become a catalyst for economic empowerment, enabling participants to start small-scale businesses, support their families, and contribute to community growth. By equipping women with practical tools to generate and sustain income, the program strengthens both household economies and the broader development agenda of Umuseti.
The initiative underscores a powerful truth: when women are empowered, entire communities prosper. Through the EmpowerHer Programme, Umuseti women are rewriting personal narratives while collectively shaping the community’s future.
The success of the programme reflects the transformative power of vision, collaboration, and commitment to inclusive growth. The renewed confidence, energy, and optimism of participants highlight the life-changing impact of this initiative, a true testament to Umuseti’s belief that progress begins with empowerment.
