By Baba Martins
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to protect Nigerian Women against all forms of discriminations, including violence and ensure that they have access to justice through gender sensitive policies.
Speaking at the Empower-Her – Nigeria for Women Farming, Health, Empowerment, Justice, Entertainment and Fundraising Programme organized by the Federal Ministry of women Affairs at the Presidential Villa, on Tuesday, the President said he is committed to advancing the cause of women empowerment and gender equality.
“We recognise the challenges women face with limited access to education and healthcare, gender based violence and economic disparity. This is imperative for us as a nation to together to drive down development and create opportunities for women to thrive and succeed,” he said
President Tinubu represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said, “We must ensure women have access to justice and protected from all forms of violence and discrimination, which requires strengthening our institutions, promoting gender sensitive policies, and supporting women’s rural organizations.”
In his keynote address, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) disclosed that over 78% of its loans are geared towards empowering women, as a result of the critical roles women play in the society.
He said the Bank recognises that women are the driving force behind sustainable development, innovation, and economic growth, adding that beyond leadership and representation, there are exclusive SME loan products tailored for women-led and women-owned businesses, “we have ensured that 78% of our Working Capital Loans are empowering these women-led and women-owned enterprises.”
Elumelu who was represented by Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, the institution has embraced the potential and leadership of women, not just in words but in actions.
“With close to 50% female representation on our Board, 40% of Senior Management roles held by women and an impressive 59% of our Graduate Management Trainees being female, we are truly leading the charge for gender equality in the corporate world.
He described the event, with the theme: “Farming to Feed the Nation, Empowerment to Give Women Voices, Justice for Crimes to Have Consequences via Mobile Court.” as a “beacon of hope and a call to action for the holistic empowerment of women across Nigeria”.
He also promised to support the federal government’s efforts to lift Nigeria women, because according to him, when women thrive, society prosper
“We must empower, Because when women thrive, societies prosper. The United Nations has consistently emphasized that gender equality and women’s empowerment are at the heart of sustainable development,” he said.
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