Federal Government has restated commitment to the development of women in the country also committing to their advancement through empowerment and promoting the course for gender equality while praising their resilient efforts of Nigerian women.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated this commitment during an event titled ‘Empower-Her’: Nigeria for Women Farming, Health, Empowerment, Justice, Entertainment and Fund-raising Dinner, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, in Abuja.
President Tinubu who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume stated that women empowerment initiative was a beacon of hope for a better future for women and girls to thrive and contribute gainfully to the nation’s growth.
He said, “I stand before you with immense sense of pride, admiration and incredible resilience and determination that the women of our nation exhibits every single day. Today marks significant milestone in our journey towards a more equitable and sustainable Nigeria.”
He recognised the critical role women play in providing healthcare and justice noting that they were the backbone of communities working tirelessly to provide for their families, uplift their communities and contribute significantly to the nation’s development and progress.
He said, “For those of us from rural background, this is not strange.
From the bustling market to halls of academia to corridors of power, humble homes and villages, women are driving positive change and sharping the future.
“As the President of Nigeria, I am committed to advancing the cause of women empowerment and gender equality in our dear nation. Don’t forget my mother was a great market woman.
“We recognise the challenges women face with limited access to education and healthcare, gender based violence and economic disparity. This is imperative for us as a nation to together to drive down development and create opportunities for women to thrive and succeed.
“Empowering women in agriculture must prioritize investment in agricultural training, access to land (This is critical) and financial services for women farmers. This will enable women increase their yield, improve their livelihood and contribute to Nigeria’s food security. By doing so, we will unlock their full potential that will drive different economic growth.
“We must also address the health disparity that disproportionately affect women and girls. By increasing access to quality health care, education, economic opportunities, we can empower them to control of their health and wellbeing. Allow them to express themselves.
“In our quest for justice and sustainability, we must ensure women have access to justice and protected from all forms of violence and discrimination, which requires strengthening our institutions, promoting gender sensitive policies, and supporting womens rural organizations.”
He added that it was in view of this that this ‘Empower-Her’ initiative solidly deepen the vision for the country saying that, “We must empower women not just for their sake but for the sake of our entire nation. When we have empowered families, communities are viable.”
He also called on the private sector to join hands and support and promote ‘Empower-Her’ initiative which has created an enabling environment for every woman in nigeria to fulfill her potential and contribute meaningfully to society adding that to the women of Nigeria, “Your voice matters, your talents are invaluable and your potential limitless, stand tall, speak out the future of Nigeria lies in you, to build a Nigerian where every woman.”
Also, the Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye said the fund raising was for the affairs of Nigerian women, not for the Ministry of Women Affairs, clarifying that, “In case of people that love to nose around, people that love to get involved in things that don’t concern them.”
Kennedy-Ohanenye said that her drive to make things work, even with no fund led her into calling for support to improve the lives of women.
“No money has been coming out of that Ministry for me to work. Everything you saw, I have been using my money to do them. I thought out of the box to raise this money. I called on my brothers. If you check out, the most people that came here today, you can see for yourself. I don’t want to mention anything, because, we are one Nigeria.
“If I had kept quiet waiting for the Federal Minister Of Women Affairs, money to work, trust me, the President would have sacked me because, he’s a no nonsense President. He sent you there to give results. He sent you there to think out of the box to bring results. But, most times, I think out of the box and EFCC will come start asking question, something I’ve thought out of the box for.
“Now, I have gotten this mobile court for a while now, over five to six months ago, I didn’t have money to do nothing.”I can’t continue waiting for this mobile court, spending so much money in the normal courts and not getting results because, it takes a lot of time. That’s why the mobile court will need to take off,” the Minister said.
She also added that for the Mobile Court to take off, two busses will be needed per State, which will start with Abuja and Nasarawa States which according to her, one of the buses will be remoulded to a court, while the other would be used for raiding.
Meanwhile, Businessman, Authur Eze while fielding questions from newsmen called for more support to be channeled to the Women Affairs Ministry also praising the efforts of President Tinubu in improving the country and lives of the people.
He said, “We pray to God to keep that man alive and create that change in Nigeria while 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.”
