The South-South Development Commission, SSDC, has unveiled a grassroots-focused development strategy aimed at empowering women, youths and other community stakeholders across the region.
The Edo State representative on the Commission’s Governing Board, Barrister Femi Oise Agge, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meet-and-greet held in Edo State.
Agge said the new strategy was developed in response to the shortcomings of some past development interventions, which, according to him, failed to adequately connect with the communities they were designed to serve.
He said the Commission would work closely with traditional institutions, youths, women and community groups to ensure that development initiatives reflect the needs of the people at the grassroots.
“If some people are not factored into development, then we are not going anywhere,” Agge said.
He explained that women would benefit from programmes targeting market women, artisans and young women interested in digital entrepreneurship, with beneficiaries receiving training as well as start-up tools and equipment.
“We don’t just train somebody and throw him or her to the street. You give the necessary tools and equipment,” he said, adding that beneficiaries would be trained based on their individual talents and abilities to promote sustainability.
Agge also disclosed plans to ensure wider representation by involving two women from each local government area, alongside other relevant interest groups.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Joy Ihensekhien, she said women’s economic inclusion remained an important part of the state’s development agenda.
She urged participants to build networks, share knowledge and identify practical areas of collaboration capable of improving the lives of women across the state.
One of the participants, Mrs Amina sule expressed appreciation to the South-South Development Commission for the women empowerment programme, saying the support had strengthened her business and enabled her to purchase goods for customers without waiting for advance payments.
