As part of its efforts aimed at supporting the government in fighting poverty, a non-governmental organisation, Roots and Fruits Women Farmers Society of Nigeria (RUFARM), has launched its poverty eradication programme "Fighting Poverty Micro-Credit Scheme".

Nogi and another Rufarm member at the launching of Rufarm fighting poverty micro-credit scheme.

The ceremony which took place at Ugo-niyekorhiomwon in Orhionmwon Local Government Area is being supported by the Canadian High Commission. In her address, at the ceremony the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Hope Maliki, who was represented by the Director of Women Affairs. Mrs. Flora Enarhome, had noted that one of the desires of the ministry has always been to lend its support to programme such as Micro-Credit Scheme for women.

Government, she said has a responsibility to women, but added that government cannot do it alone. This she stated is the reason why the ministry aligns with and encourages such laudable programmes that will empower the women, noting that economic empowerment is the basis of all women empowerment.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of RUFARM, Mrs. Nogi Imoukhuede disclosed that the Fight Poverty Micro-Credit Scheme was borne out of the need to assist women in boosting their carious trades, as obtaining credit facilities from Banks is an impossibility. The facility she emphasised is a loan that has to be paid back for others to benefit from.

Speaking further, Mrs. Imoukhuede stated that the project which was first mooted in 1996 with a visit to the Community, is a developmental project meant to empower the women economically, as they have always been subject to harsh living conditions. She then called on the privileged women in the society who are also lucky to be educated, "to try out best to help our women".

In his remarks, a representative of the Enogie, Pa Edoghaye, the Ihama of Ugo, pleaded passionately with the beneficiaries to use the credit facility solely for their trades, so as not to put the community into disrepute. He then thanked the organisation and Mrs. Imoukhuede for considering Ugo Community for such a laudable venture.

Other Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) present at the ceremony in solidarity with RUFARM included the Niger-Delta Women for Justice; Koyenum Immalah Foundation; Soceity for Water and Public Heath Protection (SWAPHEN) and Persons with Disability Action Network (PEDANET). They commen ded RUFARM for the bold initiative, while also urging the beneficiaries to make the organisation proud by living up to expectations in utilizing the facilities appropriately thereby shaking off the shackles of poverty in their lives.

The women also used the opportunity to hold a rally to demonstrate their total condemnation of the death sentence by stoning passed on Amina Lawal by a Sharia Court in Katsina State.