BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE Delta Ibo Women Association (DIWA), USA, has empowered 11 women in Delta State with business grants worth ₦2.8 million, as part of its ongoing initiative to support widows, single mothers, and vulnerable women in the Anioma region.
The presentation ceremony, held in Idumu Ile, Umunede, Ika North East Local Government Area, featured the distribution of certificates and dummy cheques to beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the association, Barr. (Mrs) Prisca Nketeh, said the initiative was born out of the association’s desire to give back to women at home and to help them achieve financial independence.
“We wanted to do something to support our sisters, mothers, and wives back home, especially widows and the less privileged. You (beneficiaries) applied, were scrutinised, and selected. This grant is to help you establish something tangible. Please don’t squander this money; invest it wisely and let it bring change to your lives, no matter how small,” Nketeh urged.
The program, coordinated in Delta by Mrs. Uju Nwaham, is now in its second phase. According to her, seven beneficiaries had earlier been empowered in the first batch with grants ranging between ₦400,000 and ₦500,000, while the current batch received varying amounts to strengthen their businesses.
Nwaham emphasised that the empowerment exercise followed a feasibility study of the recipients’ businesses, assessing their needs and the specific amounts required for growth.
“This second batch is for 11 beneficiaries. The association, which is a non-profit, is committed to reducing the hardship of women in Anioma communities. Whether widows, single mothers, or women struggling to start businesses, the aim is to bring succor and give them a chance to grow,” Nwaham explained.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support. One of them, Mrs. Mabi Loveth, a widow and mother of three, said the ₦300,000 grant would boost her petty trading business.
“Before now, I used to borrow money to buy goods. I sell plantain and melon with borrowed money to pay back with interest. With this support, I can trade without debts and save for my children,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Patricia Obeh, who sells clothing materials, shoes, and handbags, said the grant would reduce her reliance on borrowing.
The Delta Igbo Women Association, based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, describes its mission as rooted in “love, integrity, and support.” Over the years, the group has carried out charitable works, including scholarships across Anioma communities in Delta State. The ceremony ended with words of encouragement to the women to see the grant as seed money for long-term growth rather than an immediate relief package.
