FONWIP and Kingdom International Ministries, USA Empowers women with free interest loan in Benin City

 

By Eubaldus Enahoro

Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics, FONWIP in collaboration with Kingdom International Ministries, United States of America, USA have presented the fifth batch of empowerment to women beneficiaries in Benin City with an appeal to the business women to be consistent in using the resources to uplift their lives and families and bringing domestic violence to the barest minimum.

The women who were commended for paying back the interest free revolving loan, were assured that if they continue to keep a good record there is the possibility of becoming producers and wholesalers, but the choice depends on them

A cross section of the members of FONWIP during the women 

empowerment programme in Benin City

A former Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State and  President, FONWIP Hon (Dr.) Florence Gbinigie, thanked the Kingdom International Ministries, for helping to raise funds to make this mission trip all the way from the USA to Benin City which includes a visit to the orphanage home, dedication of their Nigeria church in Benin city and holding of a crusade.

"We sincerely thank our partners, Kingdom International Ministries being led by Apostles Christopher and Lakiesha Colander  with other leaders; Deacon Marcus Randal, Melba Streat Turner, Pastor Takisha Randal, Minister Brandon Turner for coming all the way from the USA to grace this event with their physical presence and personal donations  of various items to the women.

" We say a big thanks for partnering with us to ensure that the poor women , survivors of domestic violence, widows and those in the orphanage home are given opportunities or survival, with your generous donations of cash, food, school supplies, clothing etc. We extend our thanks to Overseer Veronica Colander who personally renders similar support. She has given out jewelries which were sold to raise funds for the sustenance of the business owned by domestic violence survivor, Pastor Lizzy Osaherunmwen whose business has grown as well.

" We also want to recognize with thanksgiving the personal contributions of Elder Rose Deborah, Min. Kamylla Albright, Pastor Crummey, Mother Murphy, Elder Montgomery, as well as that of Min. Ann Colander to mention but a few. You are not only getting another round of loan, but an increase from what you got in the past, which is due to your reliability, consistency and increased inflation which has affected your businesses as we want you to remain in business" she added.

Former Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development , Edo State, Hon (Dr.) Florence Gbinigie (JP) standing addressing the beneficiaries of the Interest free loan.

The FONWIP is a non governmental , non profit making but voluntary organization established to redress issues militating against women, particularly the poor, widow, girls development and also to empower them to become self reliant, redressing domestic violence and abuse.

The Committee Chair, interest free revolving loan scheme for women in Business, Hon. Favour Eghe Oseki who disclosed that the theme of the fifth batch presentation is "Invest in Women to accelerate progress," said ten women applied and nine of them scaled through the screening process to benefit for the loan given for the period of six months and they are expected to start paying back instalmentally after a month period of grace.

"Those that did not default in the last batch were given the opportunity to re-apply and even get an increase of what they got before. We have testimonies from some of our women who have expanded their businesses as a result of this loan opportunity. Special thanks to our Mama(Hon Florence Gbinigie JP for her consistency, always present to meet the needs of the women, Christopher Colander and the KIM for partnering with us," she added.

In their various testimonies the women expressed their appreciation and prayed for Hon. Florence Gbinigie for giving them the opportunity to grow their businesses and thereby becoming self reliant.

In the words of Madam Isi Mary who disclosed that she taking the interest free loan for the fouth time, she has been able to run a successful business along side being a proprietor of a school.

According to her all other micro finance institution charge interests but the loan from FONWIP is interest free and this has made many women to be able to establish themselves in their various petty businesses which they use to sustain themselves and their families.

In their good will messages, Apostles Christopher and Lakiesha Colander, Melba Streat Turner, Pastor Takisha Ranel and Minister Brandon Turner admonished the women to put their trust in God, and they should not be afraid to take a step of faith.

"You have taken a step. If you have a will nothing can stop you. As you work, take others along. Turn your pain into purpose because God in in you, do not put a limit on God, let God use your creative mind. Make sure your soul also prospers as you pray while doing your business. When God has hand in something it will surely succeed." they noted, prayed and ministered to some of the women as led by the holy spirit.