Abuja: Women in Abuja have been empowered with practical skills and knowledge aimed at promoting independence and leadership during a training programme organised by the Connect Network Foundation for participants.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Victoria Ogwuche, Global President and Founder of the foundation, said the training, themed ‘Give to Gain’, was organised in partnership with the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women’s Development and other supporting partners. Ogwuche explained that the empowerment programme, held on Monday in Abuja to mark activities around International Women’s Day, equipped women with skills in balloon artistry, bridal hand fan and earrings making, videography, photography, and content creation.
Speaking on ‘Pursuing Your Purpose and Creating Impact as a Woman,’ Ogwuche urged participants to embrace their purpose and transform societal expectations into opportunities that could inspire change and meaningful contributions. She highlighted that the world many women were prepared for during their schooling had evolved significantly, adding that emerging realities now required new skills, resilience, and creativity to remain relevant and impactful.
Ogwuche stated that the training aimed to expose women to modern opportunities and practical tools capable of transforming their lives while enabling them to positively influence their families and future generations. She encouraged participants not to underestimate the knowledge gained, noting that the training was offered free to ensure that women from different backgrounds could access opportunities to learn.
Asebe Bashir, Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women’s Development, described the initiative as timely and impactful for advancing women’s empowerment and development across communities. Represented by Director of Finance and Accounts, Fakoya Olawale, Bashir emphasized the centre’s commitment to strengthening women’s skills and opportunities nationwide.
Additionally, Abubakar Khalifa, a representative of DoGood Foundation for Widows and Needy, highlighted that empowering women strengthened families and communities, noting that women remained the bedrock of national development. Joy Umogbia of the Umogbia Foundation emphasized collaboration among women, explaining that collective action helped build support systems, expanded networks, and amplified women’s voices.
Mary Ebere, founder of the Social Care Initiative for Families and Children, urged women to remain prepared and bold in seizing opportunities whenever they arose. Beneficiaries of the programme, such as Esther Tadi and Endurance Oyome, shared their positive experiences, noting the valuable training opportunities and skills they acquired for achieving financial independence and supporting their communities.