Through the Youth in work project, young women like Praise Levi, a 25-year-old woman from Girei is gaining greater control over household income by engaging in business activity. “I struggled to access finance in the form of loan to boost my business and there was no meaningful progress over the years”. Inability to access funds was a major challenge for Praise in upscaling her business. This situation kept her business growth retarded with little profit that could barely support her.

“When the project came, I decided to join hands with other women in our neighborhood to form a VSLA group. The community based business development volunteers provided guidance to us at the point of formation, registration and daily operation of the group”. Praise now belong to the Amana VSLA Group, Girei and there is no doubt to say it is the beginning of a positive change.  

Praise was now able to access loan from her group after the group was selected and received grant. Having received business and financial literacy trainings, Praise didn’t stop there she decides to put it into work. “After I received the loan, increased my production from just 1 mudu of groundnut in a week to 6 and 7. From making 700 – 1000 (NGN) a week, I now make between 6-7000 (NGN)”, Praise narrates. Praise’s increase doesn’t end there; she makes about 2,200 (NGN) from each bottle of processed groundnut oil.

Praise’s entrepreneurial spirit is daring. She has diversified into poultry framing. She now keeps broilers and sells popcorn to add to her income stream. “From the profit I make, I support and meet some family needs because my husband is not here; he is in Benin. I take care of the health bills when the children are sick and also buys food items for the house”. Praise adds as she aspires to have her own oil pressing machine and expand her market reach outside Girei.