Women Impoverished by Insecurity in Nigeria Benefit from Catholic Women’s Financial Aid for Start-Ups

Since the start of Lady Obah’s tenure in 2023, the LSM empowerment project has supported 152 beneficiaries, with the goal of reaching 400 individuals by the end of her four-year term. 

The initiative has already seen impressive results, with ₦20 million ( US$11,929.26) distributed among the 152 beneficiaries, each receiving ₦200,000 to help start small businesses or invest in their education. 

The program has been especially impactful for students who were previously unable to pay their school fees or take their exams due to financial constraints.

Lady Obah said, “Among those we’ve empowered, we’ve helped students who had been stuck at home for years due to lack of support to pay for their West African Examination Council (WAEC) Examination. We pay off their tuition fees and ensure they return to school.”

She expressed hope that those who have received help will, in turn, extend a hand to others in need. 

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“As we have heard testimonies today, we hope that each person remembers that no matter how little you have, you can give to someone else. Hopefully, by next year or in two years’ time, they too can empower somebody else,” Lady Obah told ACI Africa.

She urged young people to seek empowerment opportunities and not rely solely on traditional employment. 

“Gone are the days when a job awaited every graduate. We encourage youth to seek opportunities and parents to support them in staying close to God amid today’s distractions,” the LSM National President said. 

Lady Obah also underscored the importance of humility, unity, and spirituality among LSM members. 

She encouraged women to prioritize sisterhood over competition, noting the importance of good health for those in leadership roles. 

“Only a healthy woman can take up responsibilities for the future,” she said.

Reflecting on the convention's theme, “Women Taking Responsibility for the Future,” Lady Obah encouraged Christian women to take accountability in their families, workplaces, and communities. 

“A true leader takes responsibility for her team and helps them achieve their goals. We must take responsibility in our families, workplaces, and communities, living exemplary lives and working hard to secure a better future,” Lady Obah said.

She called on Nigerian women to address widespread issues such as hunger, poverty, and political instability, and to foster unity within their communities. 

“This is a call to face hardships and dismantle evil at every level. It’s a call for us to raise families and children that God will be proud of and happy with,” Lady Obah said.

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Abah Anthony John is a Nigerian Journalist with great enthusiasm and interest for Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. He has vast experience in Print,  Electronic and Multi-Media Production.