At a recent fundraising dinner for the “Empower Her” initiative held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, revealed that her ministry has been experiencing a significant lack of funding, forcing her to personally finance numerous projects aimed at improving the lives of Nigerian women. The “Empower Her” program focuses on various critical areas, including women’s health, legal justice, and agriculture support, with the aspiration of empowering women across the nation. Ohanenye emphasized that the funds raised during the event were specifically for the empowerment of Nigerian women and not directly tied to the ministry’s budget, a clarification aimed at dispelling any rumors about the motivations behind her fundraising efforts.
Ohanenye’s remarks also highlighted her frustrations with the bureaucratic hurdles within her ministry, which she described as “bottlenecks.” In a defiant stance, she challenged anyone who questioned her authority or actions regarding project procurements while expressing her commitment to serving the needs of women in Nigeria. The minister asserted that she would take action despite the lack of financial support from the government, as her initiatives were critical in addressing the pressing issues facing women. Her determination reflects a broader commitment to break down barriers that women encounter, asserting that she will remain steadfast in her mission, even in the face of potential legal actions against her.
The minister elaborated on her plans for the funds raised, mentioning a new initiative to provide transportation in the form of buses—two for each state initially, beginning with the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State. One bus is intended to function as a mobile court, addressing legal issues faced by women, while the other aims to actively remove vulnerable girls from harmful situations on the streets. Ohanenye expressed her profound concern for the safety of young girls who are often victims of sexual abuse, sharing harrowing examples of cases that have deeply affected her. The initiative aims to provide immediate, tangible support for these marginalized individuals and facilitate access to justice and care.
In her passionate plea, Ohanenye conveyed the dire circumstances many young girls face daily, recounting instances of horrific abuse that have left young victims critically injured both physically and emotionally. She criticized the notion of passively waiting for systemic issues to be resolved, declaring that she cannot stand idly by while girls suffer in silence. The establishment of the mobile court intends not only to deliver justice but also to demonstrate a proactive approach towards the protection of vulnerable children in Nigerian society.
During the event, George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, echoed Ohanenye’s sentiments regarding the necessity of women’s empowerment, framing it as crucial for the nation as a whole. He advocated for collaborative efforts between government and private sectors to foster women empowerment initiatives, arguing that stronger women lead to more prosperous families and communities. Akume’s call to action was a reminder that the issues faced by women are not merely individual concerns, but rather integral to the advancement of the entire nation.
Ultimately, Ohanenye’s challenges and subsequent fundraising efforts underscore the urgency of addressing women’s rights and empowerment in Nigeria. By taking matters into her own hands and raising funds independently, she reflects a broader frustration with governmental inertia and underscores the importance of immediate action. Her initiatives through “Empower Her” could significantly shift the landscape of women’s rights in Nigeria, proving that shared advocacy and community support are essential in building a more equitable society. The momentum generated from this event could serve as a legitimate call to action for stakeholders across Nigeria, fostering a movement that not only uplifts women but also enriches the fabric of the nation itself.
