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U.S. Assists Lupane Women’s Development Trust With Over $100K
The United States, through the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), is providing $100,000 over two years to assist the Lupane Women’s Development Trust (Lupane Women). The funding will enable the Matabeleland North-based organization to build the capacity of its members in governance and marketing, as well as develop existing agricultural infrastructure for poultry production and irrigation.
United States Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Jennifer Savage, officially handed over the grant in Lupane and stated her country’s commitment to economic development in Zimbabwe.
“The United States shares the desires of the people of Zimbabwe, who want to see a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Zimbabwe”
“The United States shares the desires of the people of Zimbabwe, who want to see a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Zimbabwe that provides for its people and contributes to regional stability,” said Savage. “This support from USADF, compliments our support to health, agriculture and economic empowerment across Zimbabwe and we hope that it contributes to efforts by women in Lupane to make a positive economic impact in their immediate families and the community.”
Lupane Women’s Development Trust is a membership organization with over 4,500 people in Lupane District, Matabeleland North. The organization works to improve livelihoods of its members through coordinated enterprises including handcrafts, poultry and vegetable production. The group sells its products to local and international markets. The Trust’s growth and profitability had been stifled by lack of access to appropriate inputs, working capital and inadequacies in business management and technical capacities.
With the funding support from USADF and technical assistance from Linkages for Economic Advancement of the Disadvantaged (LEAD) Trust, Lupane Women’s Trust will help its members acquire skills needed to operate as an organization, with full transparency and accountability through development of human resources and operations policy. Members will be equipped with skills on financial reporting and participatory monitoring. The organization will also upgrade its financial management systems and automated office systems to optimize business operations, including developing an online marketing platform. The funding will help the organization establish a revolving purchase fund to increase the quantity of their crafts.
USADF is an independent U.S. Government agency established by Congress to support African-owned enterprises which improve lives in poor and vulnerable communities in Africa. USADF invests directly in community enterprises, providing seed capital and local technical support to early stage agriculture, energy and youth-led enterprises in Africa.
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has reiterated his commitment to fulfill all his campaign promises to his constituents.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) made this assurance on Sunday while speaking at the PhD graduation thanksgiving service of Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Oluwaponmile Oderinde at Grace Baptists Church, Apete Ibadan.
According to a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker, who led the congregation in prayer and sermon, used the occasion to appreciate the constituents for reposing their confidence in him as expressed through their votes during the last election.
His words: “By the grace of God Almighty, I will ensure I fulfill my electoral campaign promises to all communities. I have already fulfilled some, and those who are yet to see theirs should not worry because it’s a promise, and I will fulfill it.”
He congratulated Rev Dr. Oderinde, the minister in charge of Grace Baptist Church, Awotan, on his attainment and prayed for Grace to use the new level to win more souls to God’s kingdom.
In his brief sermon, Oseni, who is also a Regional Overseer at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), counseled people to always reference God and be closer to Him to enjoy the full benefits of serving the Almighty.
“I am who I am by His grace, and I will continue to reference God as long as I live because I am a product of grace, and I believe with Him, everything is possible,” remarked the APC chieftain.
In a bold move reflecting empathy and support for his congregation, Pastor Oye Baruwa, better known as Baba Talitakumi, of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Talitakumi Parish in Ijoko, Ogun State, has announced the suspension of tithes and offerings collection.
Citing the burdensome impact of the removal of fuel subsidies and skyrocketing food prices, Pastor Baruwa expressed concern for his congregation’s financial well-being.
“Stopping the offering doesn’t mean I will not eat. God will still send help,” he emphasised.
With heartfelt conviction, Pastor Baruwa stressed the essence of true blessings and denounced the practice of coercive giving, highlighting the plight of members struggling to make ends meet.
In an effort to alleviate financial strain, Pastor Baruwa introduced a monthly food distribution programme, where church members and the community can purchase essential items at reduced prices.
“On June 22, a bag of rice worth N80,000 will be sold for just N20,000, aiming to ease the burden of high food costs”.
Encouraging fellow church leaders to prioritise congregational welfare over wealth accumulation, Pastor Baruwa underscored the importance of divine provision and genuine pastoral care.
Despite facing criticism and accusations, Pastor Baruwa remains resolute in his commitment to supporting his congregation, citing past instances during the COVID-19 pandemic where offerings were suspended to ease financial stress.
Assuring the continuation of church projects, Pastor Baruwa expressed gratitude for unexpected support, reaffirming his faith in divine provision and the well-being of his congregation.
The Rivers State Government has greenlit a budget of N19.5 billion for the reconstruction of the State Assembly Chambers, which were demolished during the height of the state’s political crisis.
The decision was reached during the State Executive Council Meeting held on Friday evening at the government house in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Rowland Obed-Whyte, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Special Projects, confirmed the approval, revealing that Monier Construction Company Nigeria Limited (MCC) secured the contract at a cost of N19,566,621,284.24.
The project is slated for completion within nine months.
The new Assembly Complex will boast 34 en suite offices across a two-story building equipped with an elevator, gallery, meeting rooms, and a conference hall.
Obed-Whyte further clarified that the project specifications encompass the renovation and refurbishing of remaining structures within the House of Assembly Complex.
Upon completion, the Rivers State House of Assembly building is poised to become one of the premier Assembly complexes in the nation.
The approval for the reconstruction of the demolished Assembly chambers is part of a comprehensive review undertaken by the State Executive Council.
Other approved proposals include the renovation and upgrade of four zonal hospitals, along with other healthcare infrastructure developments in the state, and the construction of the Kalaibiama/Epellema road and bridge in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
The four Zonal Hospitals earmarked for renovation are situated in Ahoada Town (Ahoda East LGA), Degema Town (Degema LGA), Omoku Town (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA), and Bori Town (Khana LGA).
Also, healthcare infrastructure projects involve the renovation of Bonny General Hospital, the upgrade of Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo, and the construction of a new General Hospital in Rumuigbo, Obio/Akpor LGA.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Executive Council for approving the termination of existing contracts and awarding fresh contracts to expedite the completion of healthcare projects, amounting to N26,350,310,714.88.
The new contractors are expected to mobilize swiftly to commence construction, enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.
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