Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today unveil the PBAT Cares for Nigeria Women in the spirit of the commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD). It is expected that initiative will further champion the cause of Nigerian women and children.
Also, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is on the same page with the United Nations (Women), World Bank and other international agencies on grants been requested for, approved and disbursed for the progress of Nigerian women.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja, said the PBAT initiative will serve as an integrity brigade and will question how funds on women projects are being received and siphoned selfish and greedy elements.
She said so much money running into billions has been received in the name of Nigerian women with nothing to show for it, adding that so much was being misappropriated by few selfish, greedy and wicked individuals.
Disclosing that there will be a sustainability plan on ground in the form of a portal that will be open and outlive the present government in terms of effectiveness, the minister added that with the collaboration of all in pursuing and investigation about how funds for women are spent.
“The PBAT initiative is different from what we have seen. For the fact that we have a president that cares for Nigerian women and children, we must use this opportunity to advance the cause of women. We will be looking at female genital mutilation, child labour and living with underage children as house helps, violence against women and children amongst other women issues.
“Today, I am happy to say that I am on the same page with the United Nations (UN). They have also realised what I have been advocating. What you want and apply for is what is given to you. The World Bank, IMF give you what you want. Let’s make clear what we want and leave the rest for the federal government and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
“Those who go there ask for technical support and advocacy in order to siphon the money. Some UN agencies have come to key in concerning what am I going to do in 2024.
“Nigerians will be involved in the portal once unveiled by the president and the will monitor what is going on in the Nigeria Integrity Group. When we do this together, Nigeria will change in six months,” she added.
