By Palma Ileye
In efforts to empower women through practical, income-generating skills and social transformation, the Civil Defence Officers Wives Association, CDOWA, FCT Chapter, has launched a skill acquisition and empowerment programme for its members, widows of fallen heroes, and other female officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, FCT Command.
The initiative with the theme; “Transforming lives and empowering women” featured training in liquid soap making, cream production, detergent and disinfectant production, alongside lectures on branding, packaging, market access, and funding opportunities.
This, according to CDOWA leadership was a step toward reducing hardship and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the event held in Abuja, the Commandant of the NSCDC FCT Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, commended the programme as a testament to the Command’s vision of reform and rejuvenation also applauding the leadership of his wife, Mrs. Bolanle Olayinka Odumosu, Chairperson of CDOWA FCT Chapter, for her vision and commitment.
Odumosu emphasized on the need for economic independence among women, especially the widows of fallen officers.
He said, “To my amiable wife, Mrs. Bolanle Olayinka Odumosu, congratulations on this wonderful achievement, and thank you for having women at heart. Behind every successful man is not just an ordinary woman, but a beautiful and prayerful woman.
“I had an agenda to rebrand, rebuild, rejuvenate, and restructure the FCT Command. This programme is proof that we are achieving those goals.
“When a breadwinner is no more, life becomes difficult. This initiative was birthed to alleviate suffering, support and empower them. This is the second edition, and it will be sustained. When you build a woman, you are building a nation.”
He added that last year’s free medical outreach for CDOWA members was part of broader welfare efforts, “because the stress our women face is enormous, and many don’t have time to take care of their health.”
Also, the CDOWA Chairperson, Mrs. Bolanle Olayinka Odumosu, described the programme as more than a training, saying that it was, “A movement of empowerment, growth and opportunities.
“This is the first of its kind in the FCT Command. As wives of officers, we understand the challenges of this noble profession. Our spouses put their lives on the line for our safety, and we also have a role to play in supporting our families.”
She highlighted the focus of the programme on equipping women with practical skills for economic independence adding that, “Most especially, the wives of our fallen heroes, we want them to be financially independent, to take care of their children and to stand proud in society.”
She said that every participant would not only be trained but also go home with a starter pack containing materials to produce up to 50 liters of liquid soap.
And in support, 20 widows of fallen NSCDC officers and struggling female staff, were empowered with a bag containing chemical contents to produce 50 liters of liquid soap each.
She urged women,”This is your time to learn, to create, and to build something meaningful.”
She also expressed gratitude to Hajiya Aishatu Audi, National President of CDOWA, for her continued support, and to her husband, Commandant Olusola Odumosu, “the trailblazer, the pacesetting Commandant” for always standing by CDOWA.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, applauded CDOWA’s initiative and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to women’s empowerment noting that, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our office’s mandate.”
Benjamins-Laniyi cited previous collaborations with the NSCDC including the Gender and Human Security Summit, Gender-Based Violence, GBV, Boot Camps, and training of Gender Desk Officers saying that “CDOWA’s programme embodies the spirit of sisterhood, empowerment, and community building.”
She commended the role of Gender Desk Officer, Samuel Precious Ozunma, and the National Head of the Gender Unit, Kemi Ajet, for their advocacy for women’s safety and welfare adding, “I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative.”
