Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, says the federal government will inaugurate a transparency and integrity brigade to monitor and ensure that funds meant for Nigerians get to the beneficiaries.

Ohaeri Joseph, special assistant on media to the minister, made this known in a statement.

The minister stated this when the National Council of Traditional Rulers paid a courtesy visit to her office on Monday in Abuja.

Mrs Kennedy-Ohanenye said the inauguration would ensure transparency in initiatives aimed at empowering women and other Nigerians in the distribution of industrial sewing machines, grinding machines and others.

Others were garri processing and frying machines, weaving and buttonhole machines, tapping machines, steaming pressure machines, fish smoking machines and rice milling machines.

The minister explained that the items had been distributed to Anambra, Kano, Rivers, Imo, Lagos, Oyo, Katsina, Gombe, kebbi, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Niger, Bayelsa, Benue and Jigawa.

“We will integrate other states during the next phase of distribution to reach out to many communities.

“The integrity brigade will act as watchdogs and ensure that there is transparency and accountability.

“They will report all forms of anomalies and the government will follow up accordingly.

“They will also be on the lookout to ensure judicious utilisation of donors’ funds meant for Nigerians,” she said.

The minister added that the federal government would also partner with the traditional council to improve the well-being of women and the vulnerable, especially at the community level.

On sustainable empowerment of women and other less privileged Nigerians, the minister said the e-portals, which were recently unveiled, would improve the standard of living for women.

“Part of the plan is to effectively utilise the e-portals to provide a one-stop-shop as a convergence point for buyers, sellers, farmers, manufacturers, NGOs and other relevant players.

“This will rebuild the trust of Nigerians in economic independence and provide a platform for seamless business ventures for the women who will operate as cooperatives.

“They will be paid online for their products and this will ensure that they get their monies direct,” she said.

Earlier, Kassim Yawa, director administration and finance, National Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the minister for restoring the hope of women and other vulnerable Nigerians.

Mr Yawa, who led the delegation, reiterated their commitment to work with the federal government through the women affairs ministry to realise the renewed hope initiatives.

(NAN)