By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy- Ohanenye, has echoed her commitment to put to use the $500 million World Bank loan to impact the lives and well-being of Nigerian women and children.
In a statement signed by her Media Aide, Musa Abdulrahaman, made available to newsmen, the minister at a recent media engagement, made this known and unveiled her plans for women and children in the midst of challenges facing the ministry
The minister also clarified concerns regarding the loan’s legitimacy and restructuring, adding that President Tinubu has approved restructuring the loan to remove unnecessary bottlenecks like to ensure direct benefits like Socio-Economic Empowerment for the targeted beneficiaries.
She said, “There’s renewed hope for Nigerian women and children, especially with the unwavering support of our President.”
“President Tinubu has pledged his commitment to facilitate the restructuring of the World Bank loan, which will significantly empower Nigerian women.”
According to the ministry, over $100 million has been previously allocated to support women’s economic productivity in Nigeria before the advent of this current administration.
However, the World Bank presently has offered the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs under the leadership of Barr Uju Kennedy -Ohanenye a fresh loan, now activated at an increased amount of $500 million for Nigeria For Women Project to impact a wider range of women throughout the country.
Meanwhile, the minister has debunked reports that she is being victimised regarding the loan, stating that it is “absolutely false”.
She encouraged women’s affinity groups and cooperatives to register on the Nigerian Women E-market portal to access the funds to broaden their socio-economic opportunities.
“Minister Ohanenye expressed optimism due to the strong support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has pledged to facilitate the restructuring of a $500 million World Bank loan aimed at empowering Nigerian women. The loan, part of the Nigeria For Women Project, will directly impact a wider range of women throughout the country.
“The Minister clarified concerns regarding the loan’s legitimacy and restructuring, emphasizing that President Tinubu has approved the removal of unnecessary expenditures to ensure direct benefits for the target beneficiaries.
This move is expected to empower Nigerian women significantly and enhance their socio-economic opportunities, the ministry added.
