The Federal Government’s recent initiative in Anambra State involved the distribution of significant aid, comprising over 5,000 bags of rice, 500 bags of fertilizers, 500 Point of Sale (PoS) machines, and 300 gas cylinders. This event aimed at assisting less privileged individuals took place at the Ndi Ichie Hall in Awka South Local Government Area and was supervised by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye. The minister highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to the welfare and security of the citizens, emphasizing the administration’s desire to rectify the issues inherited from previous governments. Her message was clear: patience is vital as the current administration works to address economic challenges and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
Kennedy-Ohanenye’s speeches underlined her appeal for patience from the populace. She recognized that the Tinubu administration faced significant challenges upon taking office and urged Nigerians to allow time for corrective measures to be implemented. The minister pointed out that the distribution of palliatives was a necessary step to alleviate the hardships stemming from recent economic policies. By ensuring these resources reached their intended beneficiaries, she signaled a departure from previous issues of palliative distribution malpractices, affirming that transparency would characterize her efforts.
The minister shared her deep commitment to public service, claiming her appointment was divinely orchestrated and that she had not engaged in any contest or paid for her position. Kennedy-Ohanenye stated that President Tinubu’s administration was keen on providing for vulnerable populations and expressed her resolve to ensure that palliative measures are distributed fairly and without diversion. Additionally, she mentioned initiatives planned for the near future aimed at empowering citizens further—including cash loans and agricultural support, which would be communicated to the public via text messages requesting their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN).
Furthermore, Kennedy-Ohanenye highlighted that participation in the forthcoming ‘Integrity Ambassador and Brigade’ will welcome contributions from both wealthy individuals and grassroots members willing to get involved without financial means. Her commitment to ensuring a fair distribution process was reiterated with assurances that the climate of corruption and diversion of government aids was over. She cautioned that only eligible individuals—those present at the event—are entitled to receive these palliatives, emphasizing proper conduct and transparency in all aspects of governance.
During the event, Yinka Okpeke, the CEO of Smart Gas, articulated her motivation for donating gas cylinders, focusing on the struggles of women, particularly homemakers. She expressed her intent to ease the burden on women who often venture into forests for firewood, highlighting a broader commitment to women’s empowerment and support. The initiative was framed as a significant contribution towards reducing the hardships faced by women in the region, underscoring the necessity for continued support and engagement with the community.
The state government, represented by women’s affairs commissioner Ify Obinabo, commended Kennedy-Ohanenye for her leadership and efforts toward uplifting the lives of women and children. The sentiment was echoed by the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Basil Ejidike, who thanked President Tinubu for appointing an Anambra native as minister. The event served as a moment for community acknowledgment of government efforts, a call for continued support, and an emphasis on the shared responsibility of uplifting the disadvantaged within society, signaling an ongoing partnership among various stakeholders in improving welfare conditions in Anambra State.
