Maureen Okpe
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy–Ohanenye in a bid to address the short falls in women empowerment embarked on fund raising for economic growth.
Kennedy-Ohanenye disclosed that funds accrued will be used for initiatives that will benefit Nigerian women directly.
She stated this on Tuesday at the commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Rural Women in Nigeria, with the theme: Empower Her: NIgeria for Women Farming , Health , Empowerment , Justice and Fund Raising,” held in Abuja.
According to her, the ministry is making concerted efforts to ensure women are economically empowered, although the ministry is poorly funded.
She said, ”Most times I think out of the box, EFCC will come asking questions about something I have thought out of the box.”
The minister who disclosed that she has started receiving alerts of donations said, ” I want to make it categorically clear that I didn’t raise this money for Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in case of people that love to nose around, people that just love to get involved in things that don’t concern them.”
“I raised this money today for the affairs of Nigerian women; in line with what the President said that the women should breathe, they will breathe.”
According to the minister, as a way of delivering the mandate bestowed on her by President Tinubu, the fund-raising event is part of her way of sourcing funds through her brothers and well-wishers to donate money for her to make Nigeria women to breathe.
Speaking further on how funds raised will be disbursed, the minister disclosed that she would hit the ground running by buying two buses.
She explained that work would take off from Abuja and Nasarrawa State.
For his part, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, said his administration is committed to advancing the cause of women empowerment and gender equality in the country, while praising their resilient efforts of Nigerian women.
He also revealed that challenges faced by women which include limited access to education and healthcare, gender based violence, and economic disparities, must be recognised to drive positive change that will shape the future of the country
“We must empower women, not just for their sake, but, for our entire nation, where women are empowered, families are stronger, communities are more vibrant and the nation is bold.
“We must prioritize investment in agricultural training, access to land. It is very critical that financial services are provided for women farmers.”
Businessman, Authur Eze, also called for support to be channeled to the Women Affairs Ministry headed by Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, whom he described as “a woman that supports other women”.
He praised the efforts of President Tinubu in improving the country and lives of the people, adding, “We pray to God to keep that man alive and create that change in Nigeria”, he said.
He described his donation of a 100 million naira as a show of support for Barr Kennedy-Ohaneye in her drive to improve the lives of women in the country, through the Women Affairs Foundation.
Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu said it’s is important that Nigerian women are empowered. Represented by the UBA’s CEO, Oliver Alawuba, Elumelu recognised “the critical roles of women in agriculture that has contributed over 70% of the labor force”, yet facing challenges in accessing resources.