The following is an excerpt from an article by Sunday Isuwa for Leadership Media Group. Read the full article HERE.
Global Peace Foundation Nigeria has empowered 100 most vulnerable women and youths in Etche local government area of Rivers State with financial literacy and business management skills prior to the disbursement of N1million as seed capital to the beneficiaries with a view to addressing abject poverty and unemployment.
Delivering the cheques to the beneficiaries, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev John Joseph Hayab, who was represented by a member of the Board of Directors, Amb Ayibaemi Ken Fashola, said they believed that poverty and unemployment are at the root of violence and several other heinous activities that continue to derail societies and the nation.
“That’s why the organization continues to make efforts across Nigeria and has been working in Etche Community since November 2021 to reduce the level of poverty and unemployment.
“We have had a series of workshops and capacity-building training for women and youth leaders on how to mitigate violence and promote a culture of peace in their community. We have also trained participants on financial literacy and encouraged them to form cooperative groups and today we are giving to these groups and individuals start-up capitals which you can call ‘Seed Money’,” Hayab said.
According to him, the act was influenced by their belief that a financially empowered young man or woman will not support any form of violence that will disrupt his/her business.
“Also, a child who knows he can benefit from his mother’s small business will refuse to join any violent group that can affect his mother’s business.
“This Programme will continue with the formation of a community peace and reconciliation committee to help address issues before they escalate and added that the success here will make GPF replicate the project in more communities in the south-south region,” Hayab added.
