….Promises to unveil programmes that will improve their lives.
As part of its commitment towards the creation of an enabling environment for the growth and development of the nation’s economy, the Federal Government has called on women in the country to explore their God given talents and potentials by keying into various government initiatives, programmes and projects that will enhance their economic growth in order to contribute to the socio-economic development of their Fatherland.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye made the call while delivering an address at a Conference for State Commissioners of Women Affairs held in Abuja with the theme: “Critical Issues and Opportunities for Enhancing Rights, Protection and Justice for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities”.
She stated that if the natural potentials of women are adequately tapped and harnessed, it has the capability to birth the needed peace, unity, justice and economically balanced society that every Nigerian yearns.
Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye urged the women to take advantage of the window of opportunities made available through the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration to rediscover their potentials so as to make valuable contributions to lives of their families and the society at large.
“I call on Nigerian women to brace up to the on-going reforms and initiatives of the Federal Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs, which is aimed at providing a level playing ground for you to become entrepreneurial as well as self-reliant”.
“There are no limitations to what a woman can achieve. Therefore, I urge you not to be discouraged by cultural norms and age-long practices which seem to impede our desire to contribute our quota to nation building. With the present dispensation, it is no longer business as usual because we have a President who is very passionate about the welfare of women and children and we must all take advantage of this opportunity”, she said.
The Minister stated further, “since we came on board in August last year, with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry under my watch has come up with several initiatives to reposition the status of women and we are on course to change the narratives with a view to ensuring economic independence while also reducing the pressure on our men in running the families. My Commissioners, please take this message to the grassroots”.
Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye who informed that a machinery is being put in place to ensure accountability and judicious utilization of donor funds meant for women and children, added that “these checks are aimed at ensuring that the lives of beneficiaries are adequately impacted through the funds”.
While thanking the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration for creating the enabling environment for the growth and development of Nigerian women, children and the vulnerable, the Minister called on the Commissioners to enjoin women groups in their areas to form cooperative societies and onboard on the portal to benefit from all the empowerment programmes of government.
The conference also featured a presentation by the Facilitator and Founder/CEO of SheForum Africa, Mrs. Inifong Etuk, who took the participants through an overview of key legislations that protect the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities as well as national gender policy among others.
Signed
Mrs. Grace Njoku
Head, Press and Public Relations
