How Accountability and Transparency Will Reshape Nigeria’s Economic Orde
Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, former Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, exemplified bold leadership by exposing the mismanagement of funds intended for Nigerian women and children. She criticized the lack of tangible outcomes from donor funds, including those from international organizations, and advocated for a paradigm shift toward economic empowerment and measurable impact for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
Kennedy-Ohanenye’s vision centered on accountability, demanding that resources be channeled into sustainable initiatives such as skills development and cooperative groups to uplift rural women, rather than being wasted on ineffective programs. Her commitment to transparency and results-driven governance was encapsulated in her resolute statement, “I am ready to be misunderstood,” reflecting her unwavering dedication to empowering Nigerian women and children.
Paralleling this, U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2025 decision to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) underscores a similar demand for accountability in foreign aid. Aligning with an “America First” policy, Trump’s administration froze USAID operations and merged the agency into the State Department, citing inefficiencies and misaligned priorities. This restructuring aimed to ensure that U.S. funds directly serve American interests, curbing what was perceived as wasteful spending on programs with limited impact.
Both Kennedy-Ohanenye’s critique of mismanaged funds in Nigeria and Trump’s termination of USAID highlight a global call for reforming aid systems to deliver transparent, impactful results. Their actions challenge longstanding practices that have failed to yield promised outcomes, emphasizing the need for governance that prioritizes accountability and measurable progress.
In her closing remarks, Kennedy-Ohanenye reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration operates with an open-door policy, actively engaging with citizens and showcasing tangible progress. She expressed confidence that Nigeria’s economy, already strengthening, will continue to grow, fostering an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and uplifting livelihoods nationwide.
