The much-anticipated 2-Day Entrepreneurship Training Programme for beneficiaries of the Indigent Women Social Housing Scheme commenced yesterday at Obudu Hall, Prof. Eyo Ita House, Marian, Calabar. The opening day set a remarkable tone as stakeholders, partners, and participants converged to witness the launch of this impactful women-empowerment initiative, organized by the Cross River State Ministry of Housing in collaboration with Family Homes Funds Limited.
The training is a strategic empowerment programme designed to equip indigent women with practical skills for sustainable livelihood and long-term economic independence.
Present in attendance were key government and institutional representatives, including Apostle Queen Eton, Special Adviser, Programmes Office of the Wife of the Governor, representing the First Lady of Cross River State, Her Excellency, Bishop Dr. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu; Mr. Samuel Ekanem, representing the General Manager of Family Homes Funds Limited; Mrs. Nkiru Arum, General Manager, Finance, Family Homes Funds Limited; Miss Femi Ajubare and Mr. Roland Okon from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning; Dr. Prince Ekanem Ekpo, Special Adviser on Social Housing to the Governor; Mr. Ogri, representing the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs; and Mr. Eyibio from the Cross River Geographic Information Agency (CRGIA).
In her opening address, Hon. Dr. Beatrice Igwe, Commissioner for Housing, emphasized that the programme is a key component of the Indigent Women Social Housing Scheme and aligns with the “People First” vision of His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. She highlighted the importance of equipping women with entrepreneurial skills, financial knowledge, and resources to improve their socio-economic status and quality of life.
She acknowledged the invaluable support of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative, the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Honourable Ministers of Housing, Finance, and Budget & Economic Planning, as well as the Managing Director of Family Homes Funds Limited, Mr. Abdulmutallah Mukhtar, and his team for their partnership in driving the success of the programme.
Commissioner Igwe encouraged beneficiaries to actively engage with experts over the two days, apply the knowledge gained, and use the skills to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the development of Cross River State. She expressed gratitude to God and the State leadership for the opportunity to impact the lives of indigent women.
Participants engaged in intensive hands-on training across the following skill areas:
• Tailoring
• Hair Dressing
• Soap Making
• Confectionaries and Catering
• Small-Scale Business Development
The atmosphere throughout the sessions was vibrant, interactive, and productive, as facilitators provided practical guidance to equip the women for self-reliance, setting a strong foundation for Day 2 of the programme.
Press Unit
Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing
Cross River State
