Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, struggles to name six pilot states for a $500 million World Bank project, sparking mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media.

In a recent interview on Arise TV, Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, struggled to name the six pilot states where a $500 million World Bank project will be implemented.

During the discussion, she criticized the past administration for mismanaging the initial $100 million tranche, claiming it was wasted on meetings and consultancies. The project, known as the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP), aims to improve economic opportunities and living conditions for Nigerian women.

Despite her criticism, Kennedy-Ohanenye could not list all six pilot states, only mentioning Niger and Abia before being interrupted. She defended her stance by emphasizing her broader focus on all states rather than just the six pilots.

Nigerians reacted swiftly on social media. Many expressed surprise and frustration at the minister’s inability to name the pilot states, interpreting it as a sign of unpreparedness. Some users mocked the minister for her evasive responses, which they felt reflected a lack of accountability commonly seen in Nigerian politics. Others defended her, arguing that managing such a vast initiative across 36 states is challenging and requires a focus beyond just the pilot locations.