09/02/2025
𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵: 𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲
The launch of the Women Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program (WEEP), an initiative of Illuminating Minds and funded by Global Health Systems Solutions (GHSS), marked the beginning of a new era for seventy young women who will be empowered to build sustainable livelihoods and take control of their destinies. With the distinguished presence of former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, and other national and state leaders, the event was not only a celebration of progress but a powerful testament to what is possible when women are equipped with the right tools to succeed.
For Dr. Itari Turner, the visionary behind WEEP and the Executive Director of Illuminating Minds, the program is more than a response to economic challenges, it is a bold step toward reshaping the future of communities through women’s economic empowerment. In her address, she spoke passionately about the impact that women can have when given the chance to thrive, emphasizing that empowerment is not just about individual success but about strengthening families, building businesses, and driving economic growth.
She explained that WEEP is a meticulously designed intervention, offering women more than just financial aid. The program provides business development training, vocational education, access to mentorship, and structured support systemsto ensure long-term sustainability. This holistic approach aims to tackle the structural barriers that hinder women from achieving financial independence and create an environment where their businesses can flourish.
The significance of this initiative was underscored by the addresses by distinguished guests, each of whom shared a resounding belief in the power of women-led entrepreneurship to reshape local economies. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, serving as the Chief Special Guest, applauded the project’s vision and urged the beneficiaries to be intentional about their participation. He reminded them that the local economy depends on the strength of women entrepreneurs, encouraging them to embrace resilience, innovation, and excellence in their pursuits. His words carried a deep resonance, and reinforces the idea that true empowerment is not just about receiving support but about using it to create lasting impact.
The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei,reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that uplift local communities. He commended Illuminating Minds for spearheading a program that aligns with the state’s broader vision for economic development, and pledged continued collaboration to ensure that WEEP not only thrives but expands. Other dignitaries, including former Deputy Governor Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retd.), and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, mni, emphasized the importance of long-term commitmentfrom the beneficiaries. They cautioned against the short-sighted practice of selling starter packs provided after training, stressing that the true measure of success would be in how the women utilize these resources to build sustainable enterprises and transform their communities.
Beyond the speeches and formalities, the true impact of WEEP is best captured through the personal stories of the women whose lives are being reshaped by the program. For Sam-Michael Matein, a 24-year-old graduate of Health Education who was selected for the Vocational Education Training, WEEP is more than just an opportunity, it is a lifeline. She has long desired to learn fashion designing, but could not due to finances. The intervention comes handy to her, and she hopes to start her own fashion and designing enterprise after the completion of the training.
The same is the story of several other beneficiaries who saw WEEP an opportunity to rewrite their story, build their career and grow their small-scale businesses.
As the beneficiaries stood for their official unveiling, there was a sense of excitement and hope in the air. Each beneficiary of WEEP stood as a symbol of potential, ready to embark on a journey of growth, career and economic independence.
With the first phase of WEEP now in motion, the journey ahead is both ambitious and inspiring. The women will undergo intensive training, business coaching, and structured mentorship,ensuring that they are not only prepared to start businesses but to sustain and scale them. For Illuminating Minds, and in the words of the Executive Director of GHSS, Prof. Patrick Njukeng, the success of the pilot is crucial to the potential of WEEP and sustainable development of local communities, and we are committed to ensuring this success. The vision is to expand WEEP beyond Bayelsa, reaching more communities and empowering thousands of women across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
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