By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

A non-governmental organisation, the New Dawn for Women and Community Intervention Initiative (NEWOMCII), has announce a nationwide plan to empower women and youth, tackle grassroots poverty, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria, ahead of its official launch slated for April 28, 2026.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Founder and Chairman of NEWOMCII, Alhaji Bolaji Raji, said the initiative was born out of a pressing need to bridge critical gaps in access to opportunities for women and young people, particularly at the grassroots.

According to him, the organisation emerged from months of strategic engagement and interventions already underway across communities.

“Today marks a significant moment for us at NEWOMCII the New Dawn for Women and Community Intervention Initiative,” Raji said. “The birth of NEWOMCII was inspired by a simple but powerful reality: across our communities, especially at the grassroots, many women and young people possess immense potential, yet lack access to the tools, opportunities, and support systems needed to succeed.”

He added, “We saw the gap, and we made a decision to be part of the solution in complementing government efforts. At the heart of our work is a belief I hold strongly: when women are empowered, families thrive, and communities progress.”

Raji stressed that NEWOMCII is designed to move beyond rhetoric by delivering practical, demand-driven empowerment programmes focused on agribusiness, arts and creative enterprises, skills development, and community interventions.

“Our focus is on creating real opportunities, not just conversations,” he said. “NEWOMCII was established as a platform to drive practical empowerment, development, and community interventions that directly improve livelihoods.”

The chairman also underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving meaningful impact, calling on stakeholders across sectors to collaborate with the organisation.

“We are here today not only to introduce NEWOMCII, but to invite collaborations, partnerships, and lasting impact,” he said. “Meaningful change cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires partnerships with government, the private sector, development organisations, individuals, and importantly, the media to amplify our work.”

Also speaking, Deputy National Coordinator of NEWOMCII, Ms. Heather-Ronke Akanni, outlined key highlights and expected outcomes of the forthcoming national launch, describing it as more than a ceremonial event.

“The national launch is not just another gathering of individuals,” she said. “It is an opportunity to showcase the strength of non-governmental organisations in complementing government efforts in all areas of economic development, as government cannot do it alone.”

Akanni revealed that within less than one year of its existence, NEWOMCII has already executed several impactful interventions, including donation of agribusiness processing machinery to women and youth in Kuchiko community in Bwari Area Council, support for arts and crafts clusters in Karu and Giri, as well as partnerships with the Nigeria Police Force and international organisations.

She noted that the initiative aims to expand its footprint across all 36 states and the 776 local government areas of the federation.

“Our mandate is dedicated to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups in transforming communities through holistic, inclusive, and sustainable interventions,” Akanni said. “Our core values centre around innovation, community development, gender mainstreaming, accountability, and transparency.”

She further disclosed that the organisation is positioning itself for international recognition, including consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which would enhance its global engagement and access to development platforms.

Highlighting the objectives of NEWOMCII, Akanni said the initiative would focus on enhancing economic opportunities in arts and crafts, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships for food security and agribusiness growth, empowering women and youth as drivers of economic optimisation, and strengthening grassroots participation in sustainable practices.

“At the end of the launch and stakeholder engagements, we expect enhanced awareness of NEWOMCII, stronger collaborations among civil society, government agencies, and international bodies, as well as increased community-level empowerment for women,” she added.

In her welcome address, National Coordinator, Hajiya Sa’adatu Bokan Adamu, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to grassroots impact and community-driven solutions.

“NEWOMCII is a national, non-governmental organisation committed to strengthening women and uplifting communities through practical, grassroots-driven interventions,” she said. “Our core focus areas include agribusiness, art and craft development, youth empowerment, and community-based support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting lasting development.”

Adamu described the press conference as a prelude to the official launch and book unveiling, noting that it provides an opportunity to engage stakeholders, present the organisation’s vision, and build strategic partnerships.

“Today’s event is in preparation for the NEWOMCII official launch coming up on April 28, 2026. It is an opportunity to formally introduce our vision, share our ongoing interventions, and build strong partnerships with the media, a key driver of awareness and impact,” she said.

She also commended members of the media for their role in shaping narratives and amplifying development efforts.

“We appreciate your presence and continued support in amplifying voices and shaping stories that lead to meaningful change,” she added.

The upcoming launch is expected to feature panel discussions on grassroots development, exhibitions from government agencies, private organisations, and development partners, as well as the unveiling of two research-based books aligned with NEWOMCII’s thematic areas.

Outstanding individuals and organisations contributing to community development will also be recognised with awards at the event.

Stakeholders say the emergence of NEWOMCII comes at a critical time when Nigeria faces mounting socio-economic challenges, particularly among women and youth populations, and underscores the growing role of civil society in driving inclusive development.