By Emeka Amaefula
RIVERS WOMEN UNITE FOR SIM (RWUS) TRAIN OVER 2,000 WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS, PROMOTE KNOWLEDGE-BASED EMPOWERMENT
Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS) has trained over 2,000 women in various entrepreneurial skills as part of its commitment to promoting knowledge-based empowerment, economic self-reliance, and improved livelihood opportunities for women across Rivers State.
The women’s group made this known during its monthly prayer meeting held on Thursday, 25th June 2026, at the Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt, where members emphasized the importance of women acquiring practical skills to cope with the nation’s changing economic realities.
The programme, themed “Praise, Purpose & Productivity: Giving Thanks, Gaining Skills, Building Futures,” was designed as a transformative gathering aimed at uplifting the spirit of women, sharpening their skills, and aligning their vision towards a greater future through gratitude, empowerment, and practical growth.
Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS), in its invitation to participants, encouraged women to come prepared for a day of inspiration, learning, and empowerment, with the message: “Come thankful and leave refined!”
The event commenced at 8:00 AM with participants dressed in white RWUS Beyond the Storm T-shirts, other RWUS white T-shirts, white outfits, and the group’s official headtie, symbolizing unity and commitment to the empowerment vision.
The leader and founder of Rivers Women Unite for SIM, High Chief Sotonye Toby-Fulton, advised women across the 319 wards and 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State to acquire additional skills irrespective of their current economic status.
According to her, beyond political participation, women should have alternative sources of empowerment and economic opportunities that can provide support for themselves, their families, and communities amid prevailing economic challenges.
High Chief Toby-Fulton stated that practical skills acquisition would enable women to become more self-reliant, strengthen their families, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth and development.
Speaking further, one of the group leaders, Barrister Adata Briggs, disclosed that the empowerment programme is inclusive and open to all women residing in Rivers State, including indigenous women, Islamic women groups, non-indigenous residents, professionals, legal practitioners, businesswomen, market women, medical doctors, and women living with disabilities.
Speaking on the theme, participants said the initiative was created to encourage women to pursue economic independence and build their capacity to create sustainable opportunities.
One of the participants noted, “Empowering women economically contributes significantly to societal development because women are natural multipliers of opportunities who can transform modest beginnings into meaningful achievements.”
The first day of the training focused on soap-making and commenced with worship and gospel ministration featuring Dr. Queen and Dr. Mrs. Christy Nwankwo, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Rivers State.
Dr. Mrs. Nwankwo encouraged women to remain prayerful while complementing their spiritual lives with skills acquisition, stressing that economic empowerment is essential for building stronger families and communities.
The prayer meeting also featured practical demonstrations on the production of soap, bleach, and disinfectants as part of the vocational skills training scheduled for the group’s June and July activities. Other skills have been earmarked for subsequent training sessions.
The group urged participants to remain committed and intentional in acquiring the skills provided through the programme, emphasizing that dedication and perseverance are necessary for building sustainable businesses and securing better futures.
The empowerment initiative was further anchored on the biblical encouragement from Proverbs 22:29: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
The women also expressed their continued support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing him as a leader committed to the welfare and empowerment of women in Rivers State.
Rivers Women Unite for SIM (RWUS) is a development-focused women’s group bringing together women across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, irrespective of political affiliations. The group comprises indigenous women, Islamic women groups, non-indigenous residents, professionals, and other stakeholders united by the goal of promoting empowerment, productivity, and community development.
— Emeka Amaefula —
+234(0)8111813069
