Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja
The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday lauded Nigerian women for their roles in nation building since independence.
He said the present administration was committed to ensuring the protection of all women from all forms of gender-based violence.
Osinbajo made the remarks in a message made available to journalists to mark the International Women’s Day.
The Acting President said, “On International Women’s Day, I would like to, on behalf of the President, government and people of Nigeria, recognise and appreciate the very valuable work done, and roles played by women in our country over the years, since the struggle for independence.
“We acknowledge and value the contributions women are making to national development. They do this daily, working within and outside the home as well as in public life. Indeed, they sometimes are the sole providers for their families.
“To strengthen the economic capacity of Nigerian women, President Muhammadu Buhari personally ensured that the sum of N1.6bn was set aside for the National Women’s Empowerment Fund – the Jarin Mata fund.
He said the administration also established, as part of its Social Investment Programme, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, which provides interest-free soft loans to artisans and traders.
“At the moment, 60 per cent of beneficiaries under the GEEP programme are women.
“While we have made some progress over the years connecting women and girls with opportunities, there is still so much more to do. We must strive to use our laws, cultural and religious institutions as well as our resources to empower women, give them opportunity, and protect their rights to a safe, healthy, stable life in our country.
“This administration remains committed to ensuring the protection of all women from all forms of gender-based violence especially those living in parts of our country where the security situation is difficult and living conditions are challenging.
“We are determined that Nigerian women will live to fulfil their aspirations in a peaceful and prosperous country,” he said.
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