Introduces key economic empowerment projects

President Bola Tinubu has introduced four key projects expected to unlock vast economic potentials for Nigerian women across all strata of society.

Announcing the four key projects under the official launch of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (P-BAT), Cares for Nigerian Women umbrella, yesterday in Abuja as part of line up of activities n commemoration of the International Women’s Day, (IWD), he said Nigerian economy needs the radiant light only women can bring to soundboard rapid national development.

He said “The benefits of greater inclusion are clear- not just for women, but for all of us. For a start, women are the ultimate agents of aggregate demand, accounting for 70 percent of Nigeria’s consumer spending.

“Women have been referred to in many situations as the sun that lights up the world.

Today more than ever, the Nigerian economy needs precisely this kind of radiant sun to provide light and nourishment. To provide healing. To provide hope, peace and love to our beloved Nation.”

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President noted that the projects under P-BAT Cares for Nigerian Women which include the e-market portal, National Women Helpline, Naira Save Nigeria Integrity and Transparency Brigade and the Nigeria be Informed National Broadcast Channel, are geared towards rapid economic development with women as the drivers.

“Our great country Nigeria needs economic growth, dynamic and ingenious ideas and innovations, this is why I wholeheartedly support the Minister of Women Affairs on her journey to uplifting our women through sustainable and innovative programmes. It is time to unleash the economic power of our women,” he adds.
He acknowledged the limitations of policies alone. He stressed the importance of dismantling outdated social norms that hinder women’s progress.

“We are not just committed to women in Abuja but all over the country particularly the most vulnerable in the country to increase their economic capacity.

Noting the theme of this year’s celebration ‘Investing in Women, Accelerate Progress’, Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, quoting the national women’s anthem said ‘Women can’t be silent when all around the world people hurt and hungry children cry.”

According to her, Nigerian who change for a positive change and not just any change but economic change that holds the right of all the people high.

Also speaking, the United Nations Women, (UN Women), said Country Representative for Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, who spoke on behalf of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said government’s focus on development and empowerment of grassroots women is commendable.

She said the theme for this year’s IWD is in tandem with the commission on the status of women because
“Accelerating the achievements of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty, strengthening institutions and financing a gender perspective.

“Empowering the woman is not only a matter of economic necessity but also a fundamental human right.

“This year we are reminded to escalate action by uplifting women, and economic empowerment all over the globe and in Nigeria in particular. From a global perspective by 2030, an alarming 347 million women and girls could be trapped in extreme poverty.

“So, policymakers need to acknowledge and account for the significant contributions women make to economies globally through both paid and unpaid care work. If these activities of unpaid care work were given a monetary value, then they would represent 40 per cent of global gross domestic products.”

Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, in his remarks, noted the important role of traditional rulers being the closest to the people.

He said: “We are gathered here to tell ourselves the home truth and what we should do if we want to move forward as a country. That is who a woman is, what she should do and what a woman shouldn’t be etc.
“We know the role women play, without them, there will be no procreation, a woman is the first teacher in the home. If you have a good person, check his background. He has a good mother.

“As royal fathers, we know without mothers they can’t be men and without men, they can’t be women. So we are here to demonstrate our commitment to help the government succeed in its programmes.

“We are not anti-government but anti-social ills. We assure the government that we are 100 per cent ready. We have respect for women because they are the real wheel of development in the country.”

The monarch urged the minister of women’s affairs to be transparent in the implementation of the programmes because “we will not support any dirty programme”, noting that the people trust the royal fathers’ endorsement of government programmes and they will be held responsible if anything goes wrong.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on his part, commended the minister for bringing governance closer to the people, noting that it was important for governance to be brought closer to the people.

He further urged her to do more particularly for those in the rural areas “because there’s life beyond Abuja.”

“This shouldn’t be a one-off, try to leave your comfort zone to go and see what people are going through from time to time outside Abuja. You have a lot of networks you can work with to ensure women are better empowered.

He adds that “Traditional rulers are closer to the people permanently. We face the good, the bad and the ugly all the time while we see politicians once every four years. Let’s walk the talk and not just talk and talk. For some women, all they need is motivation, not just money and equipment.