Plateau Women to Unite, Form Cooperatives for Empowerment and Growth.

Timothy Alamba

The Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Ngo Josephine Piyo has encouraged women in the state to unite, form Cooperatives in order to break barriers that are militating against their progress in the society.

She made the call recently at Sarau Event Centre in Jos while delivering a speech at the maiden awareness and sensitization workshop organized by Plateau State Cooperative Federation, PLASCOFED Women Wing with the theme; ‘Empowering Women, Empowering the Society’.

According to Ngo Piyo to empower women is not just moral but strategically imperative because women are the backbone of every society where they serve as caregivers, teachers, entrepreneurs and others. She said the program is igniting a movement that seeks to empower and celebrate the achievement of women in Plateau state.

The Deputy Governor added that the Mutfwang’s administration in Plateau state recognizes the contribution of women to the development of the society and assured that the government is determined to continue to uplift women and make them shine brighter. She further called on Plateau people to help in supporting women to play their role in developing the society.

The acting Chairperson, Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission and Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Barr. Olivia Dazyam, who doubles as the Chairperson at the event in her opening remarks congratulates the organizers stressing that the time is now for the empowerment of women on the Plateau. She however lamented that lack of empowerment has led some Plateau woman to sell off children and grand children for money, while some have sent their girls to Ghana for prostitution in order to get money.

While debunking the assumption that when women are empowered they tend to disrespect their husbands, she emphasized that empowering women is the secret to the development of any society and that creating opportunity for women to be empowered is a way of bringing development and changing the narrative on the Plateau.

Mrs. Patricia Manasseh Agabus, the Chairperson, PLASCOFED, Women Wing Caretaker Committee in her welcome address outlined the importance of the association which includes to foster economic independence for women inorder to build sustainable communities and create a legacy of prosperity for generations to come through cooperative societies on the Plateau.

She described the women as one of the rich potentials that Plateau State has and that women serve as backbone of their families, drivers of their communities and architects of the future. According to her by forming and strengthening cooperative societies, they are not just creating economic opportunities but building a network of support and a platform for collective growth.

The Chairperson commended Governor Mutfwang’s administration for being in the forefront of promoting women inclusion in leadership positions by appointing them to sensitive offices. She expressed their commitment to continue to work toward achieving gender parity in all aspects of public life.

The Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Martha Tapgun in her presentation narrated how PLASCOFED, Women Wing started 14 years ago. While encouraging the women to come together to form cooperative societies in their communities she stated some of the ethical values as social responsibility, openness, honesty, caring for others.

She discussed some of the benefits of cooperative societies to include food security and empowerment of women. According to her apart from the economic benefits, there are also social benefits. She encouraged the women not to be afraid of little beginning and that the time for them to begin is now.

Mr. Kesmen Samson Markus a resource person at the event spoke to the women on how to establish their own business, where he encouraged them to go into a business that they are passionate about and to always pay close attention to whatever business their hands find to do. He also advised them to use their skills which is an asset to create wealth.

The PLASCOFED President, Mrs. Hanatu Mershak in her remarks encouraged the women to form cooperative societies so as to enable them access some of the benefits discussed at the workshop. According to her they can register with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce with the sum of N10,000.

She also charged those in attendance especially the Local Government Chairmen’s wives to step down the training to their local communities.

There were goodwill messages from the Commissioners of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Mohammed Nyalun, Women Affairs, Mrs. Caroline Dafur, Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, Finance, Mrs. Dongkum Grace Shwarta.