By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
The Minister of Women Affairs has expressed concern and anger on the manner the $250,000 ECOWAS released for the treatment of fistula patients was diverted to train doctors
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has pledged to change women’s lives for the better within six months through mass empowerment schemes.
Ohanenye made the pledged today, when she visited the Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammàd in Bauchi
She said they intended to change the way of doing things as all money meant for women will hence forth go to women directly to empower them. “No more advocacy, no more consultancy, the advocacy and consultancy done in the past is enough for us,” she said.
She said her ministry requested to use all earth dams for farming so that women will go back to the farm and feed the men and the nation.
“We will give you fish, through fish farming women in Nigeria will make fish affordable and available. I don’t want to hear poverty, hunger again we will empower all Nigerian. After empowermebt if we see any woman begging we will arrest her,” the minister said.
She expressed concern on the way the $250,000 ECOWAS relesead for the treatment of fistula patients was used to train doctors.
“The $250,000 was given to treat Vesico Viginal Fistula (VVF) patients annually by the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS). They diverted it to train doctors instead of treating the patients, but now we have come in. We will ensure that ECOWAS releases the money, when we get the money we will treat the patients, rehabilitate them and empower them.”
Ohanenye said she is touring the 36 states to seek support of the governors to collaborate on the best way to empower women.
She commended Governor Bala Mohammad for his dedication to women empowerment, praising the state’s efforts in promoting gender equality.
She also expressed her ministry’s willingness to collaborate with the state government to implement policies and programmes that benefit women.
“Governor Muhammad’s administration has shown a strong resolve to improve the living standards of women in Bauchi State, and this partnership is expected to yield positive outcomes for women in the state,” she said
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving the lives of women in the state.
He emphasized his government’s resolve to implement programmes and policies that promote gender equality and empowe women.
Gov Muhammad acknowledged the crucial role women play in shaping the society and expressed his commitment to providing opportunities for their economic, social, and political growth.
The governor highlighted various initiatives his administration has undertaken to improve women’s lives, including vocational training, microfinance schemes, and education programs.
He also mentioned the establishment of a gender desk to address gender-based violence and other gender-related issues.
The meeting demonstrated the shared commitment of the state government and the Ministry of Women Affairs to promoting gender equality and empowering women