The Thelema Lion Foundation, with support from key partners, has distributed empowerment items and food supplies to over 700 households as part of its ongoing intervention to strengthen women’s economic capacity and reduce vulnerability at the grassroots.
The initiative formed part of activities at the 2026 “Women Arise Symposium,” held in commemoration of International Women’s Day, alongside an empowerment programme at Central School, Ezi East, Umueleagwa Onicha Mbaise in Imo State.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, represented by the Imo State Coordinator, Dr. Valentine Madubuoke, stressed that deliberate policy implementation and sustained commitment remain critical to advancing economic empowerment among women in Nigeria.
He noted that multi-level participation involving government institutions, private stakeholders, and individuals is essential to effectively tackle poverty affecting women. “This is the third time this programme is taking place, and it encourages individuals to feel safe and protected while also fostering partnerships that enable people to work together to enhance safety,” he said.
Ojukwu further linked economic empowerment to the broader framework of human rights protection and gender equity. According to him, empowering women economically enables them to make informed decisions, express their needs, and actively participate in safety planning.
“Economic empowerment has its own peculiar focus as it enables people to make their own decisions successfully. It encourages individuals to voice their needs and participate actively in safety planning. It also helps individuals feel safe to report abuse without fear of negative consequences,” he added.
He reiterated the Commission’s readiness to continue supporting initiatives that promote human rights, stating that the NHRC would collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and civil society organisations committed to safeguarding dignity and justice.
Founder of the Foundation, Ifeoma Lilian Agu, described economic empowerment as a fundamental driver of inclusion and national development, emphasising that access—not just income—remains central to true empowerment.
“Economic empowerment is not merely about income; it is about access—access to education, opportunities, resources, and decision-making spaces. It is about breaking systemic barriers that have for too long limited the potential of women and girls,” she said.
Agu noted that sustainable empowerment requires intentional policies, structured collaboration, mentorship, access to finance, and continuous advocacy. She called for stronger alignment across government, private sector actors, and civil society to scale impact.
She also commended the NHRC for its consistent partnership and commitment to promoting human dignity and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly women.
Providing further insight into the Foundation’s interventions, an official, Eberechi Marcus, disclosed that the organisation, duly registered with relevant authorities, has expanded its focus beyond empowerment programmes to include education and skills development.
He revealed that the Foundation currently supports indigent students through scholarship schemes while also running nutrition and welfare programmes targeted at vulnerable households.
“Under our nutrition programme, we recently distributed palliative packages to over 700 households. Each package included essential food items such as rice, garri, and tubers of yam to help cushion the effects of the current economic challenges,” he said.
At the event, selected women beneficiaries received various empowerment tools, including grinding machines, sewing machines, and farm implements. The programme also featured symbolic presentations of starter packs designed to support small-scale entrepreneurship and income generation.
The distribution exercise, witnessed by traditional rulers and community leaders, underscored the growing role of non-governmental organisations in bridging socio-economic gaps and driving inclusive development at the community level.
Stakeholders at the event noted that initiatives of this nature not only provide immediate relief but also create pathways for long-term economic stability, particularly for women who remain disproportionately affected by economic hardship.
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