…………Says 2026 “Year of the Family and Social Development” Signals New Era of Human-Centered Governance.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigerian families and advancing the development of the boy child as critical pillars for national growth and social stability.
The Minister made this known during part of activities marking celebration of the International Day of the Boy Child and International Family Day 2026 held at Harrow Park, Wuse II, Abuja, where families, children, parents and community stakeholders gathered in an atmosphere of unity, joy and national reflection.
Declaring that “it is truly family o’clock,” the Minister emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has placed the family institution at the centre of governance and national development, describing the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family and Social Development” as a historic and unprecedented step.
“Our message to Nigerian families is truly it’s family o’clock. Every family must take advantage of this season and maximize the values that can strengthen the home from within so that society itself can become stronger,” the Minister stated.
She noted that the family remains the foundation upon which healthy societies, prosperous communities and sustainable national development are built, stressing that stronger families would naturally translate into improved health, education and social outcomes for the nation.
“Mr. President has prioritized the family unit and declared 2026 the Year of the Family and Social Development. This is unprecedented. It is in recognition of the role family plays in nation building,” she said.
According to the Minister, the 2026 celebration serves as a pilot initiative for a nationwide movement aimed at deepening family values and social cohesion across all communities in Nigeria.
“We envisage that by next year every corner of our communities and society will be celebrating the Day of the Family. We want our families to become stronger so that we can develop holistically as a nation,” she added.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing human capital development and introducing what she described as “a human face to governance,” assuring Nigerian families that they are seen, heard and supported under the administration’s social development agenda.
“Mr. President sees Nigerian families. He prioritizes human capital and the social gains of governance. He has given governance a human face,” the Minister declared.
The Minister also appreciated the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for her continued advocacy and support for children and family-focused programmes, disclosing that preparations were underway for a Children’s Day celebration scheduled for next week.
She further applauded Nigerian parents for their resilience in balancing parenting responsibilities with the realities of daily economic survival.
“I’d like to appreciate all our parents out there who are trying to be parents while also trying to earn a living. Trust me, our social agenda for this administration is solid, and I invite everybody to key into it so that together we can build the nation of our dreams,” she stated.
Speaking specifically on the International Day of the Boy Child, the Minister announced that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has now prioritized the “Boy Agenda” to ensure balanced and inclusive gender development in the country.
She lamented that for years, national conversations and interventions largely focused on women and girls, leaving many boys without adequate emotional, social and developmental support.
“In the past all you heard about were women and girls. We left our boys behind, but not anymore. We are coming up with a Boy-Child Policy,” she announced.
The Minister described boys as future protectors, leaders and partners in nation building, urging them to grow with values of responsibility, mutual respect and collaboration with girls and women.
“The boys should recognize from now that girls are their progress partners and prosperity partners. We do not want a society where only one gender is visible or governing,” she emphasized.
This is even as she reiterated the importance of unity, inclusion and shared responsibility in nation building. The Minister called on Nigerians to collectively strengthen the home front as a pathway to national transformation.
She concluded the event by celebrating Nigerian children and families and extending goodwill messages to citizens across the country.
“Happy Day of the Boy Child and Happy International Family Day 2026. May God bless you all and may God bless Nigeria,” the Minister concluded.
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau Mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations
FMWASD
