P-BAT empowerment registration is free, Kwara govt warns against extortion
The Kwara State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, has disclosed that the registration for the ongoing P-BAT Empowerment Program is free of charge while warning individuals or groups against illegal collections of registration fees.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hon. Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, said the attention of the ministry has been drawn to a report that the women in Baruten Local Government Area (LGA) are being charged ₦1,500 for registration.
According to her, “The attention of the Kwara State Government has been drawn to reports that women in Baruten Local Government Area (LGA) are being charged ₦1,500 for registration in the ongoing P-BAT Empowerment “Program.
Hon Opeyemi, while stating that the program aims to support the vulnerable women across the 16 LGAs of the state, said it was designed to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal and empower citizens.
She said that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Women Affairs, has made the registration free of charge, adding that no individual, organisation, institution or any bank was authorized to collect any fees in connection with this program.
She continued, “Any unauthorised collection of fees from women in the course of this registration process is illegal and will not be tolerated. The Kwara State Government is closely monitoring the situation, and stern action will be taken against any individual or group found exploiting our citizens by demanding payment for a service that is meant to be free.
“We urge all women in Baruten LGA and across Kwara State to report any incidents of illegal fee collection to Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs or other relevant authorities. The Kwara State Government is committed to ensuring that this program reaches all intended beneficiaries without any undue financial burden.
“We reiterate that the registration is free, and any attempt to charge or extort money from participants will be met with the full wrath of the law,” she added.
