Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Kema Chikwe, has urged the Federal Government to distribute all palliatives aimed at cushioning the effects of the fuel subsidy removal through women.
Chikwe, a former Nigeria Ambassador to Ireland and Chairman of the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB), made the request during the launch of the Girls Leadership Circle by her pet project, Women Leadership Institute (WLI) in Abuja, on Thursday.
She asserted that Nigerian women had demonstrated strength of character, quality leadership, transparency, courage and conviction to do the right thing over the years, assuring that if the palliatives would be distributed through them, all listed beneficiaries would definitely receive their provisions.
She regretted that Nigerian women had been receiving a raw deal from successive governments in the country, which had denied them political opportunities.
The former Aviation Minister observed that even the 35 per cent affirmative action promised by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the presidential election campaigns was yet to be implemented in the appointments made so far.
She expressed optimism that the promise would be fulfilled when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu constitutes the next Federal Executive Council (FEC), which is being expected.
Highlight of the occasion was the launch of an empowerment programme for girls with the theme ‘Lift Her, Lift All’.
Later at a dinner in her honour attended by the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, Chikwe announced her disengagement from partisan politics to enable her devote time and attention to advising and mentoring the girl-child and young girls towards achieving their potential.
The occasion also marked the 6th Anniversary of Women Leadership Institute (WLI).
