Hon. Comm. MSDGI- Mrs Christabel Omoh-Ekwu (2nd R), Hon. Comm. for Health, Dr Samuel Alli (2nd L), Deputy Chief of Party, ICHSSA-2 project Mrs Esther Brodrick-Shehu (1st R), State Program Coordinator- Barr Gift Williams and project beneficiary (M)
The Honourable Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues in Edo State, Mrs Christabel Omoh-Ekwu commended ARFH for touching lives positively during the Household Economic Strengthening business start-up distribution ceremony, recently held at Prestige Conference Hall in Edo State. She said Edo State Government is happy and pleased with what ARFH is doing in the State including the “No Means No Worldwide” intervention aimed at stemming the tide of Gender Based Violence.
The Integrated Child Health and Social Services Award (ICHSSA-2) project is a 5-year USAID funded project aimed at mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS on Orphans and Vulnerable Children and their families through multipronged approaches such as economic empowerment of the beneficiaries. The Household Economic Strengthening business start-up distribution is aimed at improving income generating activities and building the resilience of vulnerable households to be able to provide for the basic needs of their children in a sustainable manner. A total of 72 project beneficiaries received brand new business start-up items ranging from sewing machines, grinding machines, hair dressing equipment, baking ovens, vulcanizing machines, barbing equipment’s among others with the means to generate sustainable income and build economic resilience.
In his Goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Samuel Alli lauded the various efforts and achievements of ARFH, noting that with collaboration we can achieve a lot. Economic Empowerment is a proven determinant of health. Together, we can build a healthier and sustainable future Dr Alli said.
The Deputy Chief of Party, ICHSSA-2 project, Mrs Esther Brodrick-Shehu commended the conducive environment provided by the Edo State Government and sustained funding from USAID. The distribution of start-up materials symbolizes more than just tangible goods, it signifies hope, resilience and the promise of a brighter future. In the words of Helen Keller, “alone we can do so little, together we can do so much” Mrs Brodrick-Shehu said.
The historic ceremony also had in attendance representatives from NEPWHAN, partner Community Based Organizations, Medical Directors of hospitals, Edo State Agency for the Control of AIDs, Ministry of Education, SUBEB, National Population Commission amongst others.
In the words of one of the beneficiary, Amarachi “Today is an unforgettable day for me. I feel really happy and thankful to USAID and ARFH for this kind gesture towards me and other beneficiaries. We will put this business items to good use to generate more income for our family”.
In her vote of thanks, the ICHSSA-2 State Program Coordinator, Barr. Gift Williams thanked the Edo State Government for the unflinching support and conducive environment provided for seamless project implementation. She also thanked the CBO Partners, USAID IPs, MDAs, Case Managers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders for their unwavering support and collective effort to excellence. She reaffirmed the Project’s commitment to serving enrolled beneficiaries with passion, integrity, and unwavering dedication. “I look forward to continuing our journey together towards creating lasting change and build a world where every child has the chance to reach their full potential” she said.
