Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, has announced the creation of an Integrity Brigade to oversee the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This initiative was disclosed during a press briefing following a solidarity walk with women groups as part of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebrations in Abuja.
The Federal Government is set to introduce a $100 million World Bank-funded project for women in Nigeria, including the “Nigeria for Women” project and the “P-BAT Cares for Nigerian Women” project led by President Bola Tinubu (P-BAT). These programs aim to economically empower women across the country, enhancing their productivity in various capacities.
Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized the importance of the Integrity Brigade in addressing challenges and ensuring the effectiveness of intervention programs. She urged media professionals, alongside royal fathers and religious leaders, to actively participate in this initiative, emphasizing the crucial role of the media in achieving the goals for the country.
Expressing concerns about the misappropriation of funds intended for vulnerable groups, the minister called for media involvement in the Integrity Brigade to combat corruption and misuse of resources. She emphasized the need to prevent counterproductive protests among women and encouraged NGOs to disseminate information responsibly.
In conclusion, Kennedy-Ohanenye called on the media to closely monitor projects and programs to ensure they reach their intended beneficiaries. She highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainability and women’s empowerment. Ene Obi, a former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, representing women in the media, echoed the media’s dedication to supporting initiatives beneficial to women.
