The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a new health insurance initiative aimed at providing 37,000 women with monthly coverage for just N200, enhancing their access to healthcare services. Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that the program is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The scheme, which totals N2,400 annually per participant, will be implemented in collaboration with the microfinance bank, PLUG.
Kennedy-Ohanenye outlined additional women empowerment programs being introduced by the ministry. One key initiative is the distribution of 37,000 point of sale (POS) machines to help women facilitate financial transactions, thereby boosting their economic status.
The minister stressed the importance of engaging various stakeholders, including traditional and community leaders, legislators, governors, state ministries for women affairs, and market leaders, to ensure that resources are effectively distributed, especially in rural areas.
Furthermore, the government plans to distribute 300 laptops to women and people with disabilities (PWDs) as part of job creation efforts and to promote women’s entrepreneurship. Beneficiaries will receive training in Information Technology (IT) and be provided with online job opportunities to generate income.
Kennedy-Ohanenye also highlighted the Pink Riders Initiative, set to begin in army barracks to ensure the safety of women operators before expanding nationwide. This initiative aims to empower women by providing them with tricycles to support their livelihoods and work towards financial independence.
Additionally, the ministry is collaborating with the army on agricultural programs to enhance food security and production at subsidized rates. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and children, emphasizing the enforcement of mobile courts for the swift prosecution of offenders and ensuring justice for survivors.
