…Announces Commencement of Two-Year Project in Host Communities
The Executive Director of Communal Care Centre, Mrs. Collette Benett, has announced the commencement of a two-year intervention project in Mgbirichi/Abakuru Autonomous Community and Umuokanne Autonomous Community, both in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.
She further disclosed that the project would also be implemented in Ejemekwuru Autonomous Community and Akabo Autonomous Community in Oguta Local Government Area.
Mrs. Benett made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the traditional rulers of Mgbirichi/Abakuru and Ejemekwuru Autonomous Communities.
The project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Communal Care Centre with support from ActionAid Nigeria under the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (RWVL-N) Project, is focused on women in conflict situations. It aims at amplifying the voices of women in conflict-affected communities while strengthening their capacities for sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the palace of the traditional ruler of Mgbirichi/Abakuru Autonomous Community, Mrs. Benett said the initiative is centred on conflict prevention in homes and society, noting that conflict often hinders development in communities.
She explained that the organization would build the capacity of women in areas such as early conflict detection, mitigation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding.
According to her, women in the benefiting communities would also receive agricultural support and be encouraged to develop a savings culture through the establishment of Village Savings and Loan Schemes (VSLS).
Mrs. Benett appealed to the Eze-in-Council to grant approval for the successful implementation of the project in the community.
Responding, the traditional ruler of Mgbirichi/Abakuru Autonomous Community, Eze Akuwueze Ralph Ikegwuruka, represented by the Traditional Prime Minister, Prince Dr. Tony Ikegwuruka, described the initiative as a welcome development and gave approval for its execution in the community.
Earlier, the Palace Secretary, Dr. Johndonald Ikegwuruka, raised concerns about the sustainability of the project and urged the organization to ensure a workable and sustainable exit plan.
At Ejemekwuru Autonomous Community, the traditional ruler, Eze Hippolite Duru, commended the initiative, describing it as beneficial to the people of the community, and assured the organization of his support towards the successful implementation of the project.
Stanley Okehie
Communication Officer