In a move aimed at bolstering women’s economic empowerment, the Federal Government has announced plans to launch a series of initiatives, including a $100 million project funded by the World Bank.
Among these initiatives is the President Bola Tinubu Cares (P-BAT) for Nigerian Women project.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, revealed these developments during a press briefing following a solidarity walk with various women’s groups in Abuja, as part of the activities marking the upcoming 2024 International Women’s Day celebration.
These projects signify the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering opportunities for women to thrive economically. Additionally, an integrity brigade is set to be established, underscoring the government’s dedication to promoting transparency and accountability in its initiatives.
She said the programmes are targeted at empowering women across the country and improving their productivity in whatever capacity they may find themselves.
“The president will officially be launching the P-BAT Cares for Nigerian Women alongside other programmes like the Nigeria for Women project and the Integrity Brigade which I want all of you to be part of.
“As a people, let us start realising who we are because this is the greatest nation in the whole of Africa.
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“As members of the integrity brigade. you play a crucial role in helping us fight some of these challenges.
“Not just the media, the royal fathers and the religious leaders are also part of this Vanguard that the President will be launching.
” But the media is very important to me because it is only you that I can use to achieve our goals for this country,” she said.
She noted that most of the intervention programs in the form of loans aimed at empowering women, end up in the hands of a few greedy persons.
The minister expressed worries that some of those she called greedy, approached donor organisations in the name of the vulnerable in Nigeria but ended up pocketing the funds, rather than using it to assist the poor and vulnerable.
“They use terms like consultancy, advocacy, research and to get these monies but for how long should we allow this as Nigerians.
“I want you people, (the media), to join the integrity brigade, that the integrity brigade is to fight these ills.
“So, i am pleading that for the sake of our country, we use this opportunity well to get things right,” she said.
According to her, the integrity brigade will aid in preventing misappropriation and discourage counterproductive protests among women, with NGOs expected to play a pivotal role in disseminating information.
While calling on the media to closely monitor projects and programmes to ensure they reach their intended beneficiaries, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainability and women empowerment.
Also, the former Country Director of ActionAid, Nigeria, and a gender activist, Ene Obi, who represented women in the media, highlighted the media’s commitment to supporting initiatives beneficial to women.
NAN
By Justina Auta
