FIIRO, group empower Muslim women

THE Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, (FIIRO), has begun a training programme for women in the production of Kunun-Zaki, a popular local refreshing beverage that would enable them become gainfully employed and support their families.

Beyond its local production, efforts would be explored for its export during the three-day training workshop.

The training, which was sponsored by Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) and facilitated by World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organisations (WAITRO) was specifically designed for Muslim women to reduce unemployment.

WAITRO’s sub-regional representative for West Africa, Mr. Babatunde Aluko, stressed that the need to partner with the institute on the development and upgrading of the beverage was good avenue to provide micro-scale investment for women.

The drink, he said, has the potential to empower the women and youths in many parts of the country and indeed, many other African countries, as it is known to be refreshing and nutritious.

A retiree, Mrs. Mojisola Rufai, who chaired the event, told participants it was an opportunity for gainful employment, adding that, “the nation is empowered when the woman is empowered.”

She enjoined them to take the workshop serious as it could become a family business in future if properly nurtured.

Director General of FIIRO, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Elemo reiterated that with such collaborations “the future of our country, our continent and indeed the world at large would be brighter as we seek ways to improve our lives and empower ourselves economically.”

She revealed that the new beverage, when upgraded and packaged could be given a six-month shelf-life as against what is being produced locally now that stores only for a day.