In line with its aims and objectives, which include caring for multiple birth children, widows and the less-privileged, the Mary Slessor-Akan Glo Foundation (MASLAG) in celebration of the 2024 International Women's Day has empowered over 300 selected widows with financial support for small businesses.
Presenting the packages at a colourful empowerment programme tagged "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress", which was held at Governor's Office Annex, Wellington Bassey Way, Monday, March 11, the Founder/President of the Foundation and former Dean of Commissioners/Special Advisers in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Glory Edet eulogized the impacts of the legendary Scottish Missionary to Nigeria, extolling how she stopped the killing of twins, alongside her great impacts to humanity and society. Dr. Edet also stated that the aim of the Foundation is to support the less privileged, including multiple birth children and parents, persons with disabilities, students, youths, women, etc, who are in need within the capacity of the Foundation. Among other responsibilities, she said, are to restore hope to the hopeless and the oppressed through counselling, skills acquisition, etc.
She further lauded Governor Umo Eno for his support and continuous empowerment to Akwa Ibom women and also eulogized the wife of the governor, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno for using her pet projet, Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) to touch the lives of Akwa Ibom women.
"We have different programmes in our Foundation. We’ve paid school fees for students, empowered young farmers with seedlings and grant to widows last year. Today, we are empowering another 300 widows with business grants and other supports to start up small businesses or expand existing ones", she said.
She charged the beneficiaries to make use of the business grants and other items given to them for the betterment of their lives while also wishing them a happy international women's day.
Setting the tone of the event, the Coordinator of Mary Slessor-AkanGlo Foundation, Mrs. Jane Essien noted that the programme was in line with the legacies of Mary Slessor who was not only renowned for the stopping of killing of twins but also for her huge impact on widows, the less-privileged and others in need. She prayed for God to bless the Founder for her initiative and love for widows and the needy. The Coordinator assured participants of the Humaniterian services of the Foundation to different categories of people as well as readiness to partner with individuals and agencies to touch lives.
In their seperate goodwill messages, the Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), AKS Chapter, Mrs. Nsikak Okon, Wives of the Paramount Rulers of Uyo and Ibiono Ibom, appreciated Dr. Edet for her good heart and the Foundation team. They encouraged the women to make good use of the financial assistance given to them.
The event also featured a talk on "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress" by Deaconess Mercy OweidigheAbasi. She encouraged the women to invest in what has been given to them.
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