Accolades As UCEI’s Cooperative Society Set For Grant, Interest -Free Loans to Imo Women

ThankGod EMEH…

Goodwill messages have continued to pour in from Imolites regarding the launch of Women of Chambers and Commerce Cooperative Society in the State by Uju Charity And Empowerment Initiative, UCEI which aims at granting interest-free loans to Imo women.

The launch which was held at the Standard Tennis Development Club Hall of Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Wednesday April 23, 2025 in partnership with the Women of Chambers and Commerce International -Credit Cooperative Union (WCCI-CCU) attracted personalities from all walks of life in the State and beyond who described the event as an integral process to changing the narrative of women inclusion in financial frameworks both in family and society at large.

Addressing the participants, the Founder of UCEI, Ambassador Chika Uju, who was represented by  the Foundation’s Secretary, Hon. Victor Diala urged Women to embrace the golden opportunity to better their lives, while engaging in business ventures that will create more income for them in the long run, stressing that a dignified life is befitting to all human, regardless of gender hence the resolve of UCEI to bridging the gap by fostering equitable global existence that promotes peace, love and development.

“Every human being Deserves a Dignified life no matter the gender, however, due to circumstances beyond their control, women are denied this fundamental right.

“Our Organization is committed to bridging this gap by fostering an equitable global existence that promotes peace, love and development”.

Speaking further after unveiling the Empowerment and membership forms of the organizations,  Hon. Diala described the partnership and programme of WCCI-CCU and UCEI as a one-of-a-kind scheme to alleviate sufferings of women in society while urging the participants to get duly registered to reap the dividends of the initiative.

He said processing of the forms will be on ‘first come, first serve basis’ as he hinted the requirements for programme.

In her address, the Chief Executive Officer of WCCI -Credit Cooperative Union, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed described WCCI as a formidable credit cooperative union targeting an equitable inclusion in the global economy, as well as promoting women’s financial capacity to flourish the society.

She however decried the ordeals women go through in the society due to limited access to finance, hence expressed resolve to dutifully work with the government, financial institutions,and communities to eradicate the barriers limiting women’s access to financial services among others.

Speaking on the launch, the Chairperson of FIDA Imo State, Barr. Phili Obiageli Amaefule commended UCEI management for the initiative which she described as synonymous with the Female Lawyers Association, while stressing that indigent women are in high need of empowerment, owing to the importance of including women in the society’s economic development affairs in order to make informed decisions and contributions to their families and general society.

Barr. Amaefule solicited for more aids to indigent women, adding that “whoever gives to them, lends to God” as she expressed FIDA’s willingness for future collaboration with the UCEI/WCCI’s organizations.

In her goodwill messages, the Representative of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Senior legal officer Barr. Ihunanya Okoroji commended UCEI for the fast growth, noting that the programme is in line with the NHRC’s mission to promote equal opportunities for all, as reserved by the Nigerian constitution.

Barr. Okoroji also assured UCEI’s of  NHRC’s willingness to support the initiative, as she  charged all other human rights institutions to intensify advocacy for justice and equitable Women Financial Inclusion in the society.

Presenting a paper on
Gender financial inclusion, Dr. Paschal Chukwuemeka Nlem; a  Management Consultant described women as powerful support system to humanity, noting that a society that aims at growing their GDP do not only empower the women but embraces their power.

He added that Turkey’s economy witnessed growth when their women became financially inclusive in the country, while Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo Iweala helped the Nigeria to achieve a steady economy during President Goodluck Jonathan’s  administration.

Delivering lecture on  Women and Investment Opportunities for Women through cooperative society, a renowned scholar from the department of Sociology, Imo State University Dr. Emeka Onyema charged every woman to be part of the initiative, stressing that the importance of cooperative society can never be over emphasized.

Dr. C Promise Ubah, a digital Coach and Finance analyst at Department of Budget, Finance, Planning, Research and Statistics Owerri North L.G.A., who presented paper on Women Financial Inclusion for Growth urged women to cultivate the habit of saving as it is a good way to sustain a business, added with proper check and balance.

A Lecturer and management Consultant in the department of Insurance at Imo State University, Dr. Silas Nwosu highlighted the need to include more women in the Cooperative Union, especially the rural women for strategic partnership as the initiative is aimed at changing the narrative of women financial discrimination as well as achieving better results in that regard.