The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, fsi, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to advancing women empowerment, protecting children’s rights, and fostering inclusive national development. She made this assertion while addressing delegates at the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development holding in Benin City, Edo State.
The Minister warmly welcomed participants from across the federation, noting that the Council serves as Nigeria’s highest policy-making platform for women’s empowerment and child development. She emphasized that the forum provides a strategic opportunity to review existing policies and strengthen collaboration among federal, state, and local government stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations.
According to her, “The National Council on Women Affairs remains a unifying platform where we take stock, evaluate progress, and make decisive recommendations to enhance the well-being of women, children, and other vulnerable groups across the country.”
Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim stressed that the Federal Government continues to prioritize the effective implementation of the National Gender Policy and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) across all 36 states and the FCT. She reaffirmed that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that no woman or child is left behind in national planning and development.
The Honourable Minister identified several key thematic priorities guiding the Council’s deliberations and future policy actions, including:
*Economic Empowerment of Women: Enhancing access to credit facilities, entrepreneurial skills, and markets to boost women-led enterprises and household income stability.
*Child Protection and Rights: Strengthening institutional frameworks to eliminate child labour, trafficking, abuse, and all forms of exploitation.
*Combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): *Deepening response mechanisms, survivor support systems, and legal enforcement to end all forms of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
*Social Inclusion: Promoting the inclusion and active participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable populations in national and community development programmes.
The Minister further acknowledged the invaluable contributions of development partners, civil society organizations, and state commissioners for their consistent support toward achieving the Ministry’s mandate. She also lauded the commitment of the Permanent Secretary and the Council members whose efforts, she said, continue to drive sustainable progress across sectors.
“The strength of this Council lies in our collective will to translate policies into practical outcomes that touch lives—especially at the grassroots,” she stated, calling for stronger inter-sectoral collaboration and accountability among stakeholders.
The Honourable Minister urged all delegates to uphold the resolutions of the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development and to work diligently towards building a more inclusive, safe, and equitable Nigeria for women, children, and the vulnerable.
On arrival in Benin on Wednesday, the Minister and her team paid a courtesy visit to the Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo and thereafter proceeded to inspect the Edo State Sexual and Gender Based Violence Centre (VIVIAN CENTRE), described as a one stop shop for sexual and gender based issues where survivors get attended on medical issues, psycho- social support and also justice for survivors.
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau
Head, Information, Press & Public Relations
