Acting President, Osinbajo orders release of N1.6bn loan for women

The Federal Government has authorized the release of N1.6 billion for the National Women’s Empowerment Fund.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said this Wednesday on the occasion of the 2017 International Women’s Day.

Osinbajo said the present administration was committed to protecting all women from all forms of gender-based violence, especially those living “where the security situation is difficult and living conditions are challenging.”

The acting president assured that the Federal Government was determined to ensure that Nigerian women lived to fulfill their aspirations in a peaceful and prosperous country.

“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 role played by women in our country, over the years, since the struggle for independence,” he stated.

Osinbajo noted that though Nigeria had made some progress over the years in creating opportunities for women and girl, more ground remains uncovered.

“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.”

Osinbajo said the government acknowledged and valued the contributions women were making to national development, affirming that

“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.

“This administration also established, as part of its Social Investment Programme, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) which provides interest-free soft loans to artisans and traders.

“At the moment, 60% of beneficiaries under the GEEP programme are women,” he added.