- The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, revealed that the Ministry of Women Affairs is severely underfunded
- The minister highlighted the need for more programs and impactful initiatives to improve the lives of Nigerians, stating that the ministry operates on a very tight budget
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, has revealed that the Ministry is severely underfunded. This statement came in response to allegations of non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors after the release of funds.
Addressing the issue on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Minister Kennedy-Ohaneye explained the ministry’s financial constraints. “Some people will not even give you time to explain how you spend the money. Fuel has cost a lot since I came into the office. How can I say yes or no without explaining? I have explained the issue of N20 million and that of N45 million,” she said.
The minister highlighted that 33 schools, each with thousands of students, were provided with bags, gifts, and lunch, along with logistics support for a party. “This has been the routine of the women affairs ministry,” she added.
Kennedy-Ohaneye emphasized the need for more programs and impactful initiatives to improve the lives of Nigerians. “I need more programmes. I need more impactful movements that will change the lives of Nigerians. We distributed empowerment machines to 36 states including the FCT. I equally gave Kekes (tricycles),” she stated.
She also clarified that she has not applied for additional funds, as the ministry operates on a very tight budget. “I have never applied for money. There is no money in the Ministry of Women Affairs. I sourced for money for most of the things I do. We are underfunded,” the minister concluded.