Enugu—The Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike, has led the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Enugu East Women Cooperative Empowerment & Endowment Fund (W-CEEF) and Umuchinemere Pro-Credit Microfinance Bank.
Speaking at the ceremony, Anike described the initiative as a bold and forward-looking intervention aimed at expanding economic opportunities for women across the council area.
He said the programme, which targets over ₦5 billion in funding within the next decade, is designed to empower women-led enterprises, strengthen cooperative structures, and drive inclusive economic growth.
According to the chairman, the initiative is already positioned for immediate impact, with more than 200 women cooperatives across Enugu East profiled and ready to benefit from the scheme.
“This is not just about signing a document—it is about signing a future,” Anike stated, noting that the vision of the programme is to ensure that every woman, regardless of background or location, has access to finance and economic dignity.
He emphasised that the partnership with Umuchinemere Pro-Credit Microfinance Bank is strategic, as the institution brings the financial expertise, operational systems, and accountability required to ensure transparency and sustainability.
Anike further stressed the importance of collaboration, noting that while government provides policy direction, meaningful impact depends on strong institutional partnerships.
Beyond access to finance, the W-CEEF programme will include a dedicated grant window to support women’s education and specialized skills acquisition in key sectors such as healthcare, digital technology, agro-processing, and enterprise development.
The chairman also highlighted the programme’s inclusive approach, stating that it will be extended to women in urban, rural, peri-urban, and hard-to-reach communities across Enugu East.
In addition, he noted that the initiative incorporates support for the girl-child through education, mentorship, and leadership development pathways.
Stakeholders at the event expressed confidence that the partnership would create a sustainable framework for women’s empowerment and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Enugu East.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to ensure effective implementation and long-term impact of the programme.
