Osinbajo Orders Release Of 1.6bn Loan For Women
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of Nigeria[/caption]
Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo has ordered the release of N1.6 billion for the National Women’s Empowerment Fund to mark the 2017 International Women’s Day which held yesterday.
Osinbajo, who disclosed this during the women’s day celebration in Abuja said that the current 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.”
He said“ 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.
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“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.
“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.
