An NGO, Sustainable Mechanism for Improved Livelihood and Household Empowerment (SMILE) said it has empowered 86,885 vulnerable children in Nasarawa State with cash and skill acquisition.

Mr Emeka Anoje, Head of the organisation made the disclosure at an event marking the closing of its project in the state on Tuesday in Lafia.

Anoje disclosed that the group commenced operation in the state in 2013, adding that the beneficiaries were drawn from 22,259 households in 10 local government areas of the state.

He listed the local governments areas as Lafia, Obi, Keanan, Doma, Nassarawa-Eggon, Akwanga, Keffi, Karu, Nasarawa and Toto.

“Our project has provided support for children in the areas of HIV care and support, cash support, child registration and they were trained on various vocational skills.

“We also worked tirelessly in increasing school enrolment especially for girl child and improved parents/children relationship among others,” he said.

Anoje added that the organisation also partnered the state government in ensuring the successful launch of a document to end violence against children in the state.

He urged beneficiaries of the various skills to make good use of the knowledge acquired to enrich themselves and others in the society.

Earlier, Ene Obi, Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria, commended United States Agency for International Development (USAID), for funding the programme.

Obi added that they would continue to empower vulnerable children by giving them hope in order to make their lives worthwhile.

On her part, Mrs Asibi Ogabo, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Women Affairs, thanked the group for putting smile on the faces of the children.

She said government would partner any organisation engaged in activities that would improve the living condition of women and children in the state. (NAN)

– Sept. 18, 2018 @ 17:15 GMT |