Improved Funding Key to Driving Gender-Based Initiatives – Women Affairs Minister
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has called for improved budgetary allocation to enable it drive gender-based initiatives that will have direct impact on the lives of women, children and the vulnerable in society, with a view to contributing to the socio-economic development of the country
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye made the call during an Interactive Session with Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja
She stated that the Ministry, in its avowed commitment towards ensuring full implementation of its mandate in line with the policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration recently entered into partnership with a Chinese firm, Henan Linan Machinery to procure mechanised farming tools, that will reduce the energy that women put into farm work while also increasing the profit margin, adding that improved pellets are also being purchased for animal husbandry
Kennedy-Ohanenye informed that the Company is donating 26,000 tonnes of hybrid rice to be test-run in five States of the Federation namely, Jigawa, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Anambra which when sold, will yield great profit for the women, while ensuring peace and security in the communities.
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The Minister also informed that the Ministry has procured some State-of-the-art tailoring machines which will sew African Westernized ready-to-wear clothing for which women will be trained to sew, sell and earn profit from, adding that the initiative will further provide employment opportunities for them as well as alleviate poverty and restiveness in the society, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Government.
She expressed optimism that improved funding to the Ministry will not only make room for proper implementation of its programmes but also enhance economic growth and development, thereby contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country
Responding, the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon Kafilat Ogbara stated that over the years, the budget of the Ministry has been about the lowest in the country, stressing that if Nigeria is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), gender equality as well as poverty eradication, the narrative must change.
She commended the Management of the Ministry of Women Affairs and the Honourable Minister, Barrister (Uju) Kennedy-Ohanenye, in particular, for their laudable initiatives and programmes which are tailored towards empowering women for improved productivity in their homes and society at large
Hon. Ogbara added that *the Minister has come with a lot of new ideas, thinking outside the box and we are very impressed about all that*
She assured that the House will support the office to ensure improved funding of its projects and programmes for the benefit of all Nigerians
Signed
Mrs. Grace Njoku
Head, Press and Public Relations
November 24, 2023
