The Federal Government plans to introduce a $100 million World Bank-funded project, the Nigeria for Women project, and the President Bola Tinubu (P-BAT) Cares for Nigerian Women project, among others, to empower women economically. This initiative was announced by the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, during a briefing with journalists after a solidarity walk with women groups to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja.
The programmes are aimed at empowering women across the country and enhancing their productivity in various capacities. Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye mentioned that the President would officially launch the P-BAT Cares for Nigerian Women project, alongside other initiatives such as the Nigeria for Women project and the Integrity Brigade.
The minister emphasized the importance of these projects in empowering women, noting that many intervention programs in the form of loans intended for women empowerment often end up benefiting only a few individuals. She expressed concern about the misuse of funds by some individuals who use terms like consultancy, advocacy, and research to obtain funds from donor organizations, which are then pocketed rather than used to assist the poor and vulnerable.
Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye called on the media to join the integrity brigade to fight against misappropriation of funds and to monitor projects and programmes to ensure they reach their intended beneficiaries. She also highlighted the role of NGOs in disseminating information and preventing counterproductive protests among women.
Ene Obi, a former Country Director of ActionAid, Nigeria, and gender activist, represented women in the media and reiterated the media’s commitment to supporting initiatives beneficial to women.
Peoples Gazette