Maureen Okpe
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, have assured Nigerian women, of its commitment to promote growth and strengthen protection response of women, across the nation.
She said, “It’s women’s time now! Women across all sectors will soon experience significant growth. We’re committed to strengthening our protection response for women, children, and families across Nigeria.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim, gave the assurance Wednesday at the official Commissioning of the World Bank Sponsored Nassara Izom 2 Women Rice Processsing Factory under the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) in Gwachipe, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
She emphasized that scaling up women’s activities will empower self-reliance, entrepreneurial, and economically independent, noting,this will in turn, enable meaningful contribution to their families’ well-being, fostering peace, stability, and ultimately reducing gender-based violence as well as other forms of mistreatment faced by women.
A statement made available by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Grace Njoku, on Thursday, stated that, Suleiman-Ibrahim commended the World Bank for its collaborative efforts through the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) describing it as an invaluable support that is driving positive change in the country, especially at the grassroots.
She also applauded the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago for establishing a creche, which provides essential care for children in the community and also his plans to construct a Primary Health Care centre to further ensure the well-being and health of the women and children.
While commending the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration for creating the enabling environment for the upliftment of lives of the citizens, especially women and children, the Minister expressed the Ministry’s commitment to the realization of the policies and objectives of government in line with its mandate.
Also speaking, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Niger State Governor, emphasized that empowering women is vital to the transformation of the Nigerian economy.
He commended the Ministry of Women Affairs for its dedication to empowering Nigerian women and pledged his administration’s commitment to making women in the State, self-reliant and entrepreneurial through various forms of empowerment.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, World Bank Task Team Leader on the Nigeria For Women Project, reaffirmed the Organization’s strong commitment to improving the lives of Nigerian women so as to upscale their sources of livelihood for the general well-being of their families and the country at large.
He added that each of the 29 processing stations in the area has the capacity to produce 2 tonnes of rice daily, thus contributing to food security in the State.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of a grant of N492 million (made up of 12m each) to 41 women collective groups by the World Bank.