Lagos – The United States Consulate-General in Lagos on Thursday trained about 85 Nigerian women on how to be financially independent in their homes and other socio-economic engagements.
The One-Day Seminar tagged “ Take Charge of Your Financial Future” was specifically organised by the Consulate to expose young and middle aged to the processes of becoming financially independent.
The Consulate-General’s Public Diplomacy Officer,Mrs Rhonda Watson said that the training was part of the U.S government’s commitment to the empowerment of Nigerian women.
“This programme is another demonstration of the U.S government’s interest in empowerment of Nigerian women.
“We believe that women empowerment is critical to the development of any society, and that when women are empowered the family and the society would be empowered.
“We want Nigerian women to also be rich and be in the forefront of peace and development in their homes and communities,’’ she said.
Watson urged Nigerian women to desist from “self-limiting beliefs”,but to begin to create and work hard at their visions.
She also advised them to also begin to embark on some concrete actions that would make them achieve their visions in life.
The US official added that it was also imperative for the women to develop themselves through training programmes,as well as reading widely.
A guest speaker at the event,Mrs Nimi Akinkugbe also enjoined Nigerian women to begin to take charge of their financial dependence,especially with the country’s current economic challenges.
Akinkugbe said that there was currently a dysfunctional relationship between women and their finances,adding that it was important for women to act fast.
A particiant,Mrs Wummi Saanu, a caterer, said that the programme had further exposed her to the processes of becoming more financially independent and being able to support her husband and family.
Saanu said that she had also learnt from the programme not to “wait for big money” before expanding her business.(NAN)