In a significant boost to women’s entrepreneurship in Delta State, fifty businesswomen have been empowered with grants of N100,000 each to support and expand their ventures. The initiative was part of the Chybee Africa Festival of Culture and Fashion themed “The Beauty of Africa: Celebrating Culture and Fashion,” held in Asaba.
The beneficiaries, visibly elated, expressed deep appreciation to the organisers and pledged to judiciously invest the funds into scaling their businesses.
Convener of the empowerment programme and founder of the Chybee Entrepreneurship Foundation for Women, Lady Chinyere Chukwudi-Zimako, emphasized the vital role of entrepreneurs in driving economic transformation. She reiterated her commitment to supporting hardworking women and fostering an inclusive economy where women can actively contribute to family welfare and national development.
“Our foundation is not only providing financial assistance but also equipping these women with training and consistent monitoring to ensure the grants are properly utilized,” Lady Chukwudi-Zimako said.
She highlighted the importance of African culture as a rich repository of traditions, values, and artistic expressions, with fashion being a unifying and economically significant aspect of it. “The economic benefits of African culture and fashion are undeniable. Nigeria’s fashion industry today significantly contributes to job creation and business opportunities for designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs,” she noted.
The event also drew commendations from government officials and stakeholders. The Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads, and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, lauded the foundation’s commitment to women’s empowerment and cultural preservation. He described the initiative as aligning with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritizes skill acquisition, financial support, and business development for Deltans.
“I wholeheartedly appreciate the Chybee Entrepreneurship Foundation, not only for awarding deserving individuals but for preserving our cultural heritage while encouraging young women to excel in their fields,” Aniagwu remarked.
In his remarks, the Chairman of PWAN Group, Dr. Augustine Onwumere, recipient of the Icon of Employment Award, praised Lady Chinyere Chukwudi-Zimako as a divinely sent agent of transformation. He noted that initiatives like this enhance the per capita income and GDP of the nation.
The festival’s highpoints included the presentation of awards to notable personalities such as the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, and Commissioner Charles Aniagwu. The event also featured cultural performances, exhibitions of products by grant beneficiaries, and the ceremonial presentation of cheques.
The Chybee Africa Festival of Culture and Fashion continues to serve as a platform for celebrating African identity while fostering women’s economic empowerment and community development.
