The Permanent Secretary, Federal. Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, has declared open the Technical Session of the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, calling for renewed commitment and collective action toward advancing the welfare of women, children, families, and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
Delivering her welcome address at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, Dr. Keshinro emphasized that the annual Council meeting remains a strategic platform for initiating policies, designing programmes, and assessing progress in implementing gender and child development initiatives across the nation.
She noted that the Council serves as a “veritable avenue to take painstaking decisions with discernible lenses to measure progress achieved in the implementation of policies and initiatives geared towards the wellbeing of our target groups, while addressing other emerging issues in the sector.”
The Permanent Secretary commended the presence of State representatives and other key stakeholders, describing the technical session as a “learning ground” where participants are expected to engage openly, share experiences, and generate valuable insights to support evidence-based policy formulation and execution.
Dr. Keshinro also highlighted the Ministry’s unwavering efforts since the 24th Council meeting in Jos, Plateau State, stressing that collaboration with State Ministries and relevant partners has remained pivotal in translating Council decisions into tangible outcomes for Nigerian women and children.
She said, that going forward, “the Ministry will continue to count on your collaboration and support. I therefore crave your indulgence for patience, attention, and spirited participation for this technical session to achieve the intended purpose so that, at the end of the day, we shall arrive at vigorous resolutions that will effectively strengthen our enabling instruments for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
She expressed optimism that deliberations at the ongoing 25th Council will yield robust recommendations and actionable resolutions that further consolidate the Ministry’s mandate to promote equity, inclusion, and sustainable development.
The 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development, with the theme: Strengthening Systems & Deeping Social Impact: Advancing the Renewed Hope Social Agenda for Women, Children, the Family & Vulnerable Groups” continues till November 14, 2025, with participation from Federal and State Ministries, Development Partners, and civil society organizations.
Other participants include: Directors of Federal Ministry Women Affairs and Social Development, Permanent Secretaries of the thirty six (36) States of the Federation and the FCT as well as host Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs Edo State, Mrs. Iremonsen Joy Ihensekhien.
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau
Director, Press & Public Relations
