The MSBON Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has given a variety of entrepreneurial skills to 100 women and young people as part of its effort to promote economic development in Nigeria.
According to the organisation, the exercise was motivated by the belief that when people collaborate, everyone can benefit and ensure a better environment.
The founder of the foundation, Miss Chikodi Nwanisobi, said in her speech on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration her organisation hosted at the Abuja Children’s Home in Karu, that the programme was inspired by this year’s theme, “Skill to Income”, which was designed to promote transformational philanthropy.
“I would say what is significant to me is transformational giving – not just giving and letting go, but giving in a way that transforms lives, income, skills, and, most importantly, wellness and healthcare,” she said.
Nwanisobi explained that the beneficiaries were trained in petroleum jelly (Vaseline) production, soap making, disinfectants, handwash, and air fresheners to enable them to become financially independent.
She continued by saying that her organisation selected those skill sets because they are focused on helping these individuals apply the knowledge they have gained to generate revenue.
“We have come to a point where it is not just about having a home; the home needs to start developing and fending for itself,” which is why she and her team were on the ground to equip them to turn skills into income.
The philanthropist underlined the need for empowerment initiatives that go beyond training and include mentorship and sustainability, calling for collaborative efforts to empower women, as it was noted that government alone cannot achieve inclusive growth.
“I am calling on everyone, no matter how little; let’s reach out to our communities and empower our women, girls, and even boys, because we can do better when we collectively come together,” she stated.
Miss Ada Nwanisobi, a lawyer and member of the MSBON Foundation, referred to the IWD as a reminder of women’s potential to surpass and grow beyond conventional duties.
According to her, it is a day women are reminded that they can be whatever they want to be and that the era of being confined to the kitchen is over.
She expressed displeasure over declining values among some young women, warning that beauty is not enough.
“When I speak, you should see substance,” she asserts.
The lawyer advocated for sensitisation of women in order to restore values, stating that “we are beginning to lose our identity and who we truly are.”
Mrs. Evelyn Madu, Assistant Director, Women Development, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, said that women’s empowerment is crucial to the development of the country because a woman’s empowerment empowers the nation as a whole, and a girl’s empowerment empowers a household.
Madu disclosed that the government is implementing policies to enhance women’s participation in governance and socio-economic activities.
“We are advocating for more seats for women in governance so that their voices can be heard, because if you are not there when your matter is being discussed, others will take decisions on your behalf,” she said.
In the same vein, the Administrator of Abuja Children’s Home, Mrs Quincy Patrick, said access remains key to effective empowerment, especially for vulnerable groups.
According to Patrick, bringing the programme into the home helped remove obstacles that frequently prevent people from taking advantage of these opportunities because, although empowerment is a broad concept, society needs access to empowerment.
“By bringing this programme here, barriers have been removed and access improved,” she hinted.
The event was attended by representatives of the government, business community, media, and civil society organisations. Furthermore, the orphanage received food and sanitary pads, demonstrating the foundation’s dedication to fusing humanitarian aid with empowerment.
By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja