Minister of Women Affairs Marks First Anniversary, Settles Hospital Bills for Indigent Patients

In a touching display of empathy, the Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs.) Kennedy-Ohanenye marked her first anniversary in office by reaching out to vulnerable members of society.

In a heartwarming gesture, she settled the hospital bills of indigent patients, underscoring her dedication to improving the lives of women, children, and the less privileged across the nation.

Accompanied by friends from various walks of life, the Minister visited the female and children’s wards at the National Hospital in Abuja on Wednesday.

The visit was a source of joy and relief for many patients, as the Minister’s intervention not only paid for essential medical treatments but also cleared outstanding bills that had kept some patients from being discharged due to financial constraints.

In one of the most notable acts during the visit, the Ministry, under Kennedy-Ohanenye’s leadership, paid for chemotherapy sessions for children battling cancer.

Reflecting on her decision to celebrate her anniversary in this manner, Kennedy-Ohanenye stated, “I feel a lot of pain when I see Nigerians suffering and decided that as I mark my one year in office as Minister in charge of women, children, and the vulnerable, I will come with friends and associates to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged.”

She further highlighted that the initiative is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s administration, which emphasizes the importance of alleviating poverty and ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are not left behind.

Quoting the President, she reiterated the call to “allow the poor to breathe,” stressing the importance of compassion and collective responsibility in nation-building.

In addition to her acts of kindness at the National Hospital, Kennedy-Ohanenye also used the occasion to call on philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with the President in his commitment to alleviating poverty and making Nigeria a home for all.

She emphasized that collective efforts are crucial in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

Looking ahead, the Minister announced plans for a dinner and Fund-Raising Programme on October 15, 2024.

She said the event, which will bring together personalities from all walks of life, aims to raise capital, equipment, and other essentials that will enhance the economic base of women across Nigeria.

“The funds raised will be directed towards empowering women, reducing poverty, creating job opportunities, and addressing critical issues such as out-of-school children, early marriages, and sexual and gender-based violence.

“Until women are adequately empowered, issues of out-of-school children, early marriages, sexual and gender-based violence cannot be tackled effectively,” Kennedy-Ohanenye stated.

Recall that the minister recently announced a strategic partnership with Atlanta, Georgia, to cultivate and export Sunflower and Jatropha Curcas plants.

She unveiled the initiative at a two-day Capacity Building Workshop for Commissioners of Women Affairs, organized by the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in collaboration with UN Women and the Canadian High Commission in Abuja.
The initiative, spearheaded by the minister, seeks to raise capital for small-scale women-owned businesses, alleviate poverty, and create job opportunities, while simultaneously contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.