Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye has reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives and well-being of Nigerian women and children during a recent media engagement.
Barr Uju Kennedy addressed her plans for women and children, while acknowledging the challenges faced by the Ministry. She however, expressed optimism for the future, owing to strong support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“There’s renewed hope for Nigerian women and children, especially with the unwavering support of our President, Barr. Uju said.
“President Tinubu has pledged his commitment to facilitate the restructuring of the World Bank loan, which will significantly empower Nigerian women”, she added.
The Minister also clarified concerns regarding the loan’s legitimacy and restructuring. She emphasized that President Tinubu has approved restructuring of loans to do away with unnecessary expenditures, like Consultancies, Advocacies and others, while ensuring direct benefits like Socio-Economic Empowerment for the target beneficiaries.
According to a statement by the Media Aide to the Minister, Musa Abdulrahman, records have it that over $100 million has been previously allocated to support women’s economic productivity in Nigeria before the advent of this current administration.
Upon the assumption of office as the Minister of Women Affairs, the World Bank offered the Ministry a fresh loan, now activated at an increased amount of $500 million for Nigeria for the Women Project which will directly impact a wider range of women across the country.
Barr Uju addressed reports claiming she was being victimised regarding the loan, “it is “absolutely false”, she said.
She added that she enjoys maximum cooperation from all parties involved and encouraged women’s affinity groups and cooperatives to register on the Nigerian Women E-market portal to access the funds and broaden their socio-economic opportunities.