The Federal Government in partnership with PLUG Terminals, has commenced the distribution of free Point of Sale (POS) machines to women across the country, with a view to boosting their small-scale enterprises.
According to a statement signed by Mrs Grace Njoku, the Head, Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Women Affairs, the distribution started during the inaugural ceremony which held on Thursday at the ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, at the event stated that the exercise is the 1st phase of the scheme targeting 1,000 beneficiaries in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) out of the 37,000 units earmarked for the 36 states of the federation.
She stated further that the distribution of these POS machines represents a significant step in the present administration’s determination towards enhancing financial inclusion and empowerment of women in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the government.
Kennedy-Ohanenye added that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration is committed to equipping the feminine gender in order to upscale their economic status with a view to enabling them actively contribute, not only to the development of their families but also to the socio-economic growth of the nation
The minister expressed optimism that the flag-off of the free POS machines by the ministry to women will not only unlock their potentials, but also ensure poverty alleviation, job creation as well as improve security in the country
Kennedy-Ohanenye informed that modalities are being worked out for beneficiaries to access N25,000 monthly for three months as start-up capital from social funds through database of the ministry’s e-commerce portal in order to enable them commence the business with ease
While calling on the women to work assiduously towards ensuring the success of the scheme, she advised them to support the federal government’s effort at improving the wellbeing of the gender through the various poverty alleviation interventions lined up for them.
In his welcome address, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda stated that the scheme was one of the initiatives of government in collaboration with PLUG Terminals which is aimed at reducing poverty among women and also contributing to the actualization of the sustainable development goals.
He expressed the willingness to continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in the realization of uts mandate
Also speaking, the Director, PLUG Terminals, Okiemute Akoko, informed that the POS Scheme also attracts subsidized health services for the beneficiaries through a payment of N200 monthly and N2,400 annually.
She, therefore, advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of the health services to keep fit and work towards the realization of the objectives of the programme