NIGERIA FOR WOMEN PROGRAMME: Council of Traditional Rulers to Partner Ministry of Women Affairs
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Barr Uju-Kennedy Ohaneye |
"Women play a very critical role in the development of every nation." President Tinubu.
"The Ministry's efforts at repositioning Nigerian women through sustainable empowerment is a laudable initiative but needs the active participation of the rural dwellers to ensure the realization of the objective." Sultan of Sokoto.
"If anyone has any doubt about the roles traditional rulers could play in the development of our country as well as the patriotism of our traditional leaders as regards the development of our country, coming here will clear that doubt."
"The Ministry should use its various networks and stakeholders to ensure that its sustainable empowerment products reach the less privileged women and vulnerable in the rural areas." Oba Adeyeye Adewusi.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in realization of its goals and mandate, has received support from the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria (NCTRN) to partner with it, in the mandate of the Ministry.
This is to ensure the realization of the goals of the Nigeria For Women Programme at the grassroots levels in the country.
The Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria who is also the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Abubakar, gave this assurance of support during the Official Unveiling of the Nigeria For Women Programme at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa Abuja, recently.
He stated that the Ministry's efforts at repositioning Nigerian women through sustainable empowerment is a laudable initiative but needs the active participation of the rural dwellers to ensure the realization of the objective.
According to him, "having recognised the importance of the Programme as a catalyst for the socio-economic development of Nigerian women, we showed up personally, not only to give our support but to advocate that modalities be put in place towards ensuring that women at the grassroots become active participants and beneficiaries of the Scheme."
The Sultan informed that through collaboration with the traditional institutions which are closest to the rural dwellers, a lot of programmes put in place for the people can be achieved.
"If anyone has any doubt about the roles traditional rulers could play in the development of our country as well as the patriotism of our traditional leaders as regards the development of our country, coming here will clear that doubt," he stated.
He commended the Honourable Minister, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Management and Staff of the Ministry for their dogged commitment to the well-being of the women, children and the vulnerable in society.
On his part, the Ooni of Ife and Co-Chair, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi called on the Ministry to use its various networks and stakeholders to ensure that its sustainable empowerment products reach the less privileged women and vulnerable in the rural areas.
He further assured that traditional rulers in the country, as the closest authority to the ruralities will continue to support all the laudable policies and objectives of government tailored towards poverty reduction, social inclusion and wealth creation, which will impact positively on the lives of the people.
The Nigeria For Women Programme launched by President Bola Ahmed encompasses the National Women e-Market Portal, National Helpline, Naija Save Nigeria and Nigeria Integrity Brigade Project
Similarly, the President, during the week unveiled the Nigeria for Women programme which aims at boosting the economy.
A statement issued and signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Women Affairs Ministry, Grace Njoku (Mrs) revealed that the programme aims to advance the cause of women, children and the vulnerable in the country.
At the inauguration ceremony held on Thursday, 7, March 2024 at the Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, the President assured that the Scheme will birth a lot of positive changes in the lives of Nigerian women and nation at large.
"Women play a very critical role in the development of every nation," the President stated.
He expressed his administration's commitment to the implementation of policies and initiatives that will impact positively on their lives, families and nation at large.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the President said, "Today's unveiling programme is part of the present administration's efforts at ensuring an improvement in the welfare of the Nigerian woman."
According to him, "We are not just committed to the Women in Abuja and other urban centres but government is committed to the well-being of all the women in this country, particularly the vulnerable who live in the rural areas."
He therefore called on traditional and religious leaders as well as Development Partners to support the administration in its quest to advance the cause of women in the country.
Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye informed that the Nigeria For Women Programme which encompasses the National Women e-Market Portal, National Helpline, Naija Save Nigeria and Nigeria Integrity Brigade Project is dedicated towards promoting women’s economic empowerment as well as ensuring social inclusion.
She commended the donors, development partners and other stakeholders for their commitment to the actualization of an enhancement in the living standard of women and children in the country.
According to her, "since I assumed office as Minister of Women Affairs, I have received so much support. I came in with the mindset to change the narratives, because I felt much has been done on trainings, advocacies and consultations, I am not against it but i believe that it is time to empower them sustainably, as this will not only reduce poverty but also create more job opportunities, in line with the policy thrust of government."
In a welcome address, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Amb. Gabriel Aduda stated that the Nigeria For Women Project aims at creating an enabling environment for the actualization of the dreams and aspirations of women with a view to promoting gender equality.
He described traditional institutions as custodians of culture, morals as well as traditions of the people, expressing optimism that with their massive turn out at the event, there is hope that the people's mindset will be reshapened to ensure a collective collaboration towards the advancement of the cause of women and children in the country
Amb. Aduda who thanked Donors, Development Partners and other Stakeholders for their support, commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration for creating the enabling environment for the empowerment of women, children and the vulnerable in society
In a goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Muhammed Abubakar, pledged the traditional institution’s commitment to the promotion of the well-being of women and girls in the country
He noted that the presence of traditional rulers from all the geo-political zones at the event signifies the level of importance placed on women as the wheel of progress in every developing community.
In her remarks, the UN Women’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, stated that gender equality and women’s empowerment are pivotal to the achievement of sustainable development in any nation.
"Investing in women is not just only about economic necessity, but also a fundamental human right. This year, we are reminded to escalate action and investment in women’s economic empowerment across the globe and Nigeria in particular," she said
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