Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs under fire, alleges that she is being singled out by influential government groups for her refusal to endorse a World Bank loan application worth $500 million.
Kennedy-Ohanenye claimed during a phone interview with Obasanjonews.com that due to her rejection of the loan, which encompassed a previous $100 million matter, she has been subjected to substantial pressure and intimidation.
According to Kennedy-Ohanenye, it is alleged that staff members of the World Bank in Nigeria take 40 percent of loans received as consultation fees. She pointed out that even World Bank loans are not spared from this practice and urged for an investigation into these matters.
Further, she stated that the focus should be on identifying the root cause rather than targeting her personally.
Read Also: Guide for Registering Student Loan in Nigeria
Due to her position on the loan, she stressed that her life is currently in danger. She specifically pointed out a missed opportunity for personal financial gain by refusing to sign, stating “I could have received five percent of the money if I had signed the loan today.
However, I declined and this has led me to be targeted by the National Assembly and others.”
The minister emphasized the supposed inappropriate usage of the loan and proposed that instead of consultations, the funds should directly benefit women.
She challenged spending $100 million on teaching money-saving skills to women, advocating for a more direct allocation towards those who require it.
The dispute arose from a strained encounter on July 10, 2024, when Kennedy-Ohanenye clashed with the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development regarding accusations that N1.5 billion earmarked for contractor compensation had been misappropriated.
