Maureen Okpe
President Bola Tinubu has launched a new scheme, the Nigeria for Women Program, aimed at economic empowerment and social inclusion in the country.
President Tinubu said the initiative is to better the lives of Nigerian women promising, things will soon change for the better.
He made the statement on Thursday, at the State House in Abuja during the official Unveiling of the Nigeria For Women Programme.
Represented by the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the President acknowledged that Nigerians are complaining about hunger, stating palliatives will be distributed to cushion the effects of hunger.
He said: “My administration is committed to Nigerian women and this is reflective in my policies. It gladdens my heart to stand before you and tell you the future of women in Nigeria looks very promising.
“Ministry of Women Affairs is working day and night, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that all your needs are met and exceeded, the Ministry has embarked on several notable projects.
“As a government it is our duty to prioritize interest around the most vulnerable citizens which are women and children, so that we’ll put this behind us.
“The federal government actively working to ensure that programmes designed for the Nigerian women are impactful and accessible to the intended beneficiaries, we are nit just committed to women in Abuja and other urban centres, the government is committed to all women particularly the most vulnerable who live in the rural areas
I am gladdened by the use of technology in dispensing sustainable development for our women. Sustainable agriculture, empowerment and technology is key in driving national prosperity.
“Things would soon begin to change as more food is brought to the table of our citizens and as we prepare to implement a new minimum wage.”
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye said the programme intends to empower women in all states of the federation by providing them with machines to produce things local women exert so much energy and time producing locally.
Also, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in his remarks, urged the government to look beyond Abuja when implementing programmes especially those that affect women.
He said, “Their is life beyond Abuja that we all come for the central position of governance, it is very important for all our people to feel governance. I would like to employ our women here, ably led by the Minister of Women Affairs, please do not let this thing be one off. Try as much as possible to leave your comfort zone to go and feel what people are feeling from time to time.
UN Women’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong reiterated that gender equality and women’s empowerment are pivotal for achieving sustainable development in any nation.
The Nigeria for Women initiative, includes, the P-BAT Care for Women Empowerment e-Market Portal, the National Helpline, Naija Save Nigeria, and the Nigeria Integrity Brigade project, is dedicated to advancing women’s economic empowerment and overcoming barriers within the country.