A women group, the “Group of Concerned Women” has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for disengaging the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ken-Ohanenye from his cabinet.
The group in a statement signed Victoria Amu, said alleged that the former minister practically abused her position as representative of the women folks.
The group which described the role of Women Affairs Minister as pivotal to the protection and empowerment of women, regretted that the the tenure of Uju Kennedy as Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister failed to live up to the fundamental expectations.
The Concerned Women’ group accused the former minister of lacking in temperament and qualities necessary for such a critical role. It added that Mrs Ken-Ohanenye’s abrasive approach and inability to empathize with the needs of women led to a growing disconnect between her office and the women folks.
The women group concluded that Uju Kennedy’s tenure as Women Affairs Minister served as a lesson in what leadership for women should not be.
Read the full statement below
Uju Ken-Ohanenye: Women Affairs Minister Who Lost Touch with Women
The office of the Women Affairs Minister is pivotal, tasked with the protection and empowerment of women. In any society, a leader in such a role is expected to display empathy, understanding, and a connection with the struggles and aspirations of women across all strata. Sadly, the tenure of Uju Kennedy as Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister failed to live up to these fundamental expectations. Rather than advocate for and uplift the women she was appointed to serve, Kennedy’s time in office was marred by a distinct lack of compassion, decorum, and respect for her fellow women.
From the outset, it was evident that Uju Kennedy lacked the temperament and qualities necessary for such a critical role. Her abrasive approach and inability to empathize with the needs of women led to a growing disconnect between her office and the very demographic she was appointed to represent. Her actions reflected a profound disconnection from the struggles and ambitions of Nigerian women, leading many to question her suitability for the role.
Kennedy’s lack of decorum was evident in the manner in which she addressed and interacted with other women, particularly those in political circles. She demonstrated little regard for those aspiring to political office, treating them with disdain rather than as peers or colleagues. A notable example of this disrespect was her ill-treatment of Victoria Amu, who was then a governorship candidate in APC , now a prominent PDP chieftain, Kennedy’s hostility towards Amu, and others like her, exposed a troubling trait—a disregard for the dreams and aspirations of women seeking to break through the glass ceiling.
In her position, Kennedy should have been a beacon of support for women striving for greater political representation, but instead, she presented herself as an obstacle. She dismissed and belittled those who dared to aspire to leadership roles, reinforcing harmful stereotypes that women in power should be competitive and unsupportive of one another.
Furthermore, Uju Kennedy’s tenure was characterized by an alarming lack of empathy. As Women Affairs Minister, her role should have been to advocate for the rights of women facing gender-based violence, economic disparities, and societal marginalization. However, her detached and callous attitude toward women’s issues made her appear indifferent to their suffering. Her failure to connect with the emotional and social realities of women across the nation eroded the trust that many initially placed in her.
Her appointment can only be described as a misfit. The office requires more than administrative oversight; it demands a leader who embodies the very essence of womanhood—compassion, solidarity, and strength. Yet, Kennedy failed to demonstrate any of these qualities. Instead, she distanced herself from the core responsibilities of her office, making decisions that further alienated women, especially those in vulnerable situations.
It is important to highlight that Kennedy’s failure goes beyond her interactions with political aspirants like Victoria Amu. Her lack of advocacy for women’s welfare at large speaks to a broader failure. Nigerian women deserve a minister who not only champions their cause but also leads by example, promoting unity, respect, and progress for women everywhere.
In retrospect, Uju Kennedy’s tenure as Women Affairs Minister serves as a lesson in what leadership for women should not be. Her inhumane approach, disrespectful demeanor, and failure to connect with the women of Nigeria only further underscore her unsuitability for the role. True leaders of women should uplift, support, and encourage—not tear down and alienate. With Kennedy, Nigerian women were left wanting, their voices unheard by the very person who was supposed to champion their causes.
As the nation moves forward, it is imperative that future leaders in positions of influence over women’s affairs reflect the values of empathy, connection, and respect. Women deserve leaders who understand their struggles, embrace their aspirations, and work tirelessly to uplift them, not someone who disregards their humanity. Uju Ken-Ohanenye, sadly, lost touch with the essence of her office, leaving a legacy that Nigerian women will not soon forget.
Signed
Group of Concerned Women
23rd October, 2024.
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