Founder, Mother of Models, organizers of 40&Fabulous TV reality show, Nnenna Abani, has said women who were advancing in age could still learn a trade, go back to school or start a business.
Abani noted this during the grand TV reality show finale when one of the contestant, Jane Watson emerged winner of the maiden edition of the television reality show, 40&Fabulous with N10million and a Car.
Omotomilola Makanjuola came second while Princess Okaine took the third position.
According to her, outside Nigeria, women who are over 70 years are still doing business or starting new trade but here it is as if once a woman is over 40 years, her life is over.
“We are here to say that age is not a barrier for new beginnings,’’ Abani said.
She said that the desire to lift women out of poverty inspired her to organise the programme.
“It is a family friendly programme designed to take women out of the streets, those women backing their babies and carrying firewood on their heads.
“When I see that, it breaks my heart and whatever I have to make them better and pick up their pieces I always do that,’’ Abani said.
The veteran actress and musician reiterated that the programme targeted to promote dignity and respect among Nigerian women.
“The unique thing is that it will not promote nudity and promiscuity, but poised to promote cultural decency, dignity and respect as well as empower the Nigerian woman in or above 40 years of age.”
According to her, the reality show was aimed at helping the multi-tasking women chose their right career among all her crafts and to create a platform to help depressed women who are 40 years or above.
Abani said that the 10 contestants received training in the areas of photography, tips on money managing and entrepreneurship during the 60 days the programme streamed on GOTV, Startimes, Channels, Wazobia TV, Wap TV amongst other stations.
On his part, the Executive Producer of 40&Fabulous, Kennedy Ajah, some some of the women were almost giving up on life but this programme has given them hope and a new life via empowerment through entrepreneurship.
He said that the organisers intend to expand the show to some other African countries.
Also, the Director-General, National Coumcil for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe represented by the Director of Performing Arts, NCNC, Mr. Sam Agbe, said one of his cardinal working principles was to empower women and youths to become self-reliant.
He said this is critical in helping them engage in meaningful ventures, contribute their quota to the socioeconomic development of the country and stay away from social vices.
The winner, Watson who couldn’t hold her excitement described the show as interesting despite the overbearing western influence that pervaded Nigerian cultural values.
Watson also urged other women to see the need to participate in such programmes that promote entrepreneurship, cultural heritage and decency.
