women empowerment |
Efforts to diversify the economy may have received a boost as the
Federal Government, yesterday announced a N1.6 billion national women’s
empowerment fund.
The bailout to empower the female gender was announced by
President Muhammadu Buhari in his first anniversary speech to
Nigerians. The Sun Reports.
The President said the fund has become imperative, considering the
increasing role that women are playing in revitalizing the agricultural
sector coupled with the difficulty in practicing modern farming.
Buhari said the N1.6 billion fund would serve as micro-finance
loans to women across the nation to assist in rehabilitating the
economies of rural communities, particularly those impacted by the
insurgency and conflict.
‘‘I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation
for the increasing role that our women are playing in revitalizing the
agricultural sector. Modern farming is still hard and heavy work. I
salute our Nigerian women in sharing this burden.
“In this respect, I am very pleased to announce that the government
will shortly be launching the national women’s empowerment fund, which
I have approved to provide N1.6 billion in micro-finance loans to
women across the nation to assist in rehabilitating the economies of
rural communities, particularly those impacted by the insurgency and
conflict,’’ he said.
The President said the economic misfortune the country is
experiencing in the shape of very low oil prices has provided the nation
with an opportunity to restructure its economy and diversify.
‘‘We are in the process of promoting agriculture, livestock,
exploiting our solid mineral resources and expanding our industrial and
manufacturing base. That way, we will import less and make the social
investments necessary to allow us to produce a large and skilled
workforce.
“Meanwhile, the first steps along the path of self-sufficiency in
rice, wheat and sugar – big users of our scarce foreign exchange – have
been taken. The Labour Intensive Farming Enterprise will boost the
economy and ensure inclusive growth in long neglected communities.
“Special intervention funds through the Bank of Agriculture will
provide targeted support. Concerns remain about rising cost of foods
such as maize, rice, millet, beans and garri. Farmers tell me that they
are worried about the cost of fertilizers, pesticides and the absence
of extension services. The federal and state governments are on the
same page in tackling these hurdles in our efforts at increased food
production and ultimately food security,’’ he maintained.
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