By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to unveil Integrity Brigade in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day will on March 7.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy- Ohanenye disclosed this during a media briefing on Monday in Abuja.
She said the PBAT initiative will serve as an integrity brigade and will question how funds on women projects are been received and siphoned by greedy, selfish and wicked elements.
She said so much money running into billions have have been received in the name of Nigerian women with nothing to show, adding that so much was been misappropriated by few selfish, greedy and wicked individuals.
The minister said 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.
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’ve 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 underaged 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 UN. They have also realized what I have been advocating for. What you want and apply for is what is given to you. The world bank, IMF gives 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 siphoned the money. Some UN agencies have come to key in concerning what I’m 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.
She noted that integrity brigade will ensure that all funds solicited for nigerians will be used appropriately in other to put an end to protest which is a distraction to the government.
Ohanenye emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to support the welfare of women and children, particularly in empowerment endeavours.
“We have the backing of Mr President, let use the opportunity to fight for our course in a peacefully way like mothers that we are to get things right for ourselves, especially monies coming in for women”
