By Gift Olivia Samuel, The Sight News
ABUJA: In continuation of the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021 celebration, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on Monday, March 15, 2021, distributed palliatives to 93 Women Associations, comprising widows, single mothers and the vulnerable.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen while speaking at the event which took place in Abuja, with several Women Associations in attendance, said that the entire month of March is set aside to celebrate women and their contributions to nationhood, as well as their silent contributions towards national development.
In her words, “Today is a special day as we continue the Internation Women’s Day celebration. This palliative we are giving you today is part of our celebration for the month of March. The Ministry will ensure to reach out to you from time to time.
“We will continue to reach out to the vulnerable, the women in need, widows and single mothers. We will also continue to do our best through the support of Mr. President”, she said.
She assured that the Ministry is committed to reaching out to more women, not just in the FCT, but across the country, adding that whatever happens in the FCT is replicated in the States.
While speaking on the criteria for selecting these women Associations, she said, “We are handing out palliatives to about 93 Women Associations now. We deal with Associations and once they get it, they know how to share it.
“We appealed to them to concentrate on the needy. They are registered groups and they need assistance and support”.
Speaking on the COVID-19 vaccine, the Minister assured the women that she is pushing for women to get their fair share, noting that if women don’t get it the family cannot be healthy.
She also urged those preparing to vie for positions in the 2023 elections not to shy away, but keep pushing.
Speaking to The Sight News, a beneficiary, Salamatu Aliu, the Chairperson, NLC Women Commission, noted that the women of Nigeria are solidly behind President Muhammadu Buhari, and prayed earnestly that God gives him wisdom to tackle the challenges bedeviling Nigeria.
Another beneficiary, Felicia Onibor, President/ National Coordinator, Hundred Women Lobby Group, stated that Nigerian women are happy that they are not forgotten.
Items given to the Women Associations include; Bags of rice, sorghum soy meal flour, cartons of macaroni, cartons of spaghetti, groundnut oil, wrappers and others.
