By Dipo Olowookere
Some women in Kwara State have been empowered by the LEAH Foundation, owned by wife of the Kwara State Governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, and the Bank of Industry (BoI).
The beneficiaries, about 250, were given support, especially financially, by the LEAH Multi-Purpose Coop in partnership with the bank.
The women received loans of up to N100,000 repayable within 6 months to help them in their various endeavours.
Speaking at the presentation of the loans to the beneficiaries, Mrs Ahmed stressed that there cannot be sustainable development if the barriers, which hold back women’s development, were not addressed.
She said women carry a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work yet have no access to resources like quality seeds, agriculture extension services as well as financial services which make women more productive.
Mrs Ahmed implored beneficiaries of the micro credit facility from the 16 Local Government areas of the state that they have the responsibility to utilize the money and repay on time so that many more women can benefit.
Dipo Olowookere 
Adedapo Adesanya