The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has clarified concerns around the restructured upscale of the $500 million World Bank loan aimed at enhancing the lives and well-being of Nigerian women and children.
Kennedy-Ohanenye also said she is not victimised, contrary to reports in a section of the media, where according to her, she was allegedly being victimised by some cabals in government because she refused to sign a $500 million World Bank loan request.
In a statement signed by her Media Aide, Musa Abdulrahaman, the minister during a recent media engagement, addressed her plans for women and children while also acknowledging the challenges faced by the Ministry.
According to her, “There’s renewed hope for Nigerian women and children, especially with the unwavering support of our President,” stated the Minister.
“President Tinubu has pledged his commitment to facilitate the restructuring of the World Bank loan, which will significantly empower Nigerian women.”
The statement further read: “The Minister clarified concerns regarding the loan’s legitimacy and restructuring. She emphasized that President Tinubu has approved restructuring the loan to remove unnecessary expenditures like Consultancies, advocacies, etc, and ensure direct benefits like Socio-Economic Empowerment for the target beneficiaries.
“Records have it that over $100 million has been previously allocated to support women’s economic productivity in Nigeria before the advent of this current administration.
“Upon the assumption of office as the Minister of Women Affairs, The World Bank offered the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs under the leadership of Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye a fresh loan, now activated at an increased amount of $500 million for Nigeria For Women Project which will directly impact a wider range of women throughout the country.
“Barr Uju addressed reports claiming she was being victimised regarding the loan, which is “absolutely false” claiming that she’s enjoying Maximum cooperation from all parties involved. She encouraged women’s affinity groups and cooperatives to register on the Nigerian Women E-market portal to access the funds and broaden their socio-economic opportunities.
“Minister Ohanenye expressed optimism due to the strong support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has pledged to facilitate the restructuring of a $500 million World Bank loan aimed at empowering Nigerian women. The loan, part of the Nigeria For Women Project, will directly impact a wider range of women throughout the country.
“The Minister clarified concerns regarding the loan’s legitimacy and restructuring, emphasizing that President Tinubu has approved the removal of unnecessary expenditures to ensure direct benefits for the target beneficiaries. This move is expected to significantly empower Nigerian women and enhance their socio-economic opportunities.”
