The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, has issued a stern warning to states that have failed to utilize machines distributed by the federal government for women empowerment.
Ohanenye threatened to take legal action and retrieve the machines if they are not put to use within a month.
Speaking at a two-day capacity building workshop in Abuja, she revealed that despite distributing various equipment to promote entrepreneurship and socio-economic development, she has not received evidence of their use.
The equipment includes industrial sewing machines, rice milling machines, garri processing machines, and fish grilling equipment, among others.
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The Minister explained that some states have failed to identify operational co-operative societies to receive the machines, while others have left them idle.
She commended Benue State for promptly distributing the machines and provided video evidence of their use.
Ohanenye stressed that procuring equipment to empower women is a better use of the ministry’s funds than spending on ineffective programs.
She urged the commissioners to immediately begin using the machines, assuring them that there are already markets for the items to be produced.
The Minister’s warning comes as a wake-up call to states to prioritize women empowerment and utilize resources effectively.
With a deadline of September 13, states were advised to act quickly to avoid legal action and ensure that the machines are put to good use.
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