With a view to actualizing the present administration’s drive towards improving the lives of the Nigerian child, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has called on women in the country to join hands with government in setting the stage for the future of the nation’s children, in line with contemporary global realities.
The Minister made the call Friday, during a Press Briefing held in her office in Abuja in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) Celebration themed: “Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment”.
She stated that women all over the world are critical stakeholders in the growth and development of children and that it behooves Nigerian women to equip themselves with relevant skills that will enable them to set the stage for the future of their Children.
“We must set the stage right for the future of our children. Let us together set the pace for change in Nigeria. I implore you to join forces with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration to build the Nation, not only for ourselves as women but more importantly for the future of our children”, she said.
While urging the women to speak against any action that will thwart the growth and development of the children, Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye also advised them not to relent in their efforts at ensuring that every woman in the country keys into the Ministry’s empowerment schemes to enable them earn and cater for their families as well as contribute positively to the growth and development of the nation.
She observed that often times, monies that flood into the country for women and children are being misused with people negotiating for what will add little or no value to their lives.
If this change is not effected early, the Minister observed further, “we will have no economic future to pass unto our children”.
Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye therefore called on women in the country to form cooperative societies, which she said will provide them with the opportunity to be on boarded into the E-Commerce Portal, an initiative of the Ministry that will enable them to access grants for sustainable empowerment.
She added that the Scheme also provides women with opportunity to acquire equipment that will enable them commence business transactions and become entrepreneurial, self reliant and economically strong, not only to support their families but to also give them a voice to speak against societal practices that affect the lives of their children negatively.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, stated that women by their natural endowment play a pivotal role in the development of every nation.
He expressed the Ministry’s commitment to the policy thrust of the present administration, which is among others, tailored towards the advancement of women, children and the vulnerable in society.
Also speaking, the UN Women Country Representative to UN WOMEN and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong stated that the theme for the year is apt as it makes room for reflection on the progress so far made in advancing gender equality through inclusive economic policies and programmes with a view to making adjustments for optimum results.
She commended the Honourable Minister.of Women Affairs, Barrister, (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Management and Staff of the Ministry as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in particular, for their dogged commitment to the improvement of the lives of women and children in the country.
Highlights of the occasion include goodwill messages from Representatives of Save the Children, National Council for Women Development (NCWD), among others
Signed
Mrs Grace Njoku
Head, Press and Public Relations
