In a bid to uplift economically vulnerable women in Nasarawa State, 31 beneficiaries were empowered with Conditional Cash Transfers of N20,000 each during a ceremony held at the Council Chambers of the Akwanga Local Government Council on Thursday, August 22, 2024. The event was organized by the Centre for Women, Youth, and Community Action (NACWYCA) with the support of the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria (IHVN) under the ASPIRE-OVC Project.
The ASPIRE-OVC Project, a critical initiative of the CDC-funded IHVN, aims to reduce the viral loads of those infected by HIV/AIDS while preventing vulnerable family members in various communities from contracting the disease. One of the key thematic areas of this project is Household Economic Strengthening (HES), which focuses on ensuring that vulnerable and infected families maintain economic stability. This stability is vital in allowing them to meet their daily needs, thereby enabling them to navigate the challenges posed by their health conditions.
During the ceremony, Ms. Retna Dashan, the State Program Officer of IHVN, emphasized the importance of the Conditional Cash Transfers. She urged the beneficiaries to judiciously use the funds to transform their families’ fortunes. “This cash transfer is not just money; it is an opportunity to change the narrative for your families. Use it wisely to either start or improve your small businesses so that you can better support your loved ones,” she said.
Representing the Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Council, Secretary of the Council, Mr. Clement Dauda also spoke at the event, lauding NACWYCA for their unwavering commitment to societal improvement. He encouraged the beneficiaries to seize this opportunity and take their economic destinies into their own hands. “The efforts of NACWYCA are commendable. They are not only empowering you but also contributing to a better society. It is now up to you to make the most of this seed you have been given,” Mr. Dauda remarked.
The event was attended by key figures, including Mrs. Sarah Kirija, the Deputy Director of the Social Service Department at Akwanga Local Government, Mr. Musa Kunzo, the CPC Chairman of Kurmin Tagwaye Community, and Mr. Daniel Audu, the OVC Desk Officer of the Local Government.
The beneficiaries, who were selected from four local government areas where NACWYCA is implementing the ASPIRE-OVC Project—Akwanga, Kokona, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba—expressed their deep gratitude for the support. Many of them, previously struggling to make ends meet, now see a glimmer of hope in the ability to either start new businesses or enhance existing ones.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Regina Likita from Kokona Local Government Area, shared her heartfelt appreciation. “I never imagined I would be given such an opportunity. With this money, I plan to expand my petty trading business. This will help me provide better for my children and ensure they don’t have to face the hardships I did,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Agnes Ogah from Nasarawa Eggon, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This cash transfer is a lifeline for my family. I will make sure every kobo is used wisely to improve our living conditions.”
The ASPIRE-OVC Project’s focus on Household Economic Strengthening (HES) is an essential component in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly in vulnerable communities. By empowering beneficiaries economically, the project not only helps reduce their vulnerability to the disease but also ensures they can provide for their families, thereby improving their overall quality of life.
As the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of hope and determination among the beneficiaries. With the support of NACWYCA and IHVN, these 31 women now have the means to not only sustain their families but also contribute to the economic growth of their communities. The Conditional Cash Transfers represent more than just financial aid; they symbolize a new beginning for these women, one where they can take control of their destinies and build a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.
The empowerment initiative underscores the importance of targeted interventions in addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by vulnerable populations. By focusing on economic empowerment as a tool for social change, projects like ASPIRE-OVC are making significant strides in improving the lives of those most in need.