Nigeria celebrates international recognition, as the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, called on stakeholders to embrace unity, collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable development for Nigerian women.
Speaking during a special reception in her office in honour of Mrs. Esther Eghobamien Mshelia, Nigeria’s Representative on the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Minister stressed that economic empowerment remains the cornerstone of women’s development and national prosperity.
She challenged Nigerian women to embrace financial independence, noting that economic strength gives women greater influence and opportunities.
“There is no place for a poor woman in Nigeria. Economic empowerment is not optional—it is our priority. When women have economic power, they also have a stronger voice in society,” the Minister declared.
Hajiya Imaan urged members of the women affairs ecosystem to complement one another rather than compete, emphasizing that meaningful progress can only be achieved through teamwork and shared responsibility.
“Let us recognise our individual roles, complement each other and not compete.
Together we are stronger, and together we can transform the lives of millions of Nigerian women and children,” she said.
The Minister further encouraged public servants and development partners to remain proactive, dedicated and solutions-driven, insisting that excellence in service requires commitment, sacrifice and integrity.
Reflecting on the values instilled by her late father, she noted that prosperity is built on honesty, hard work, sound investments and service to humanity, urging Nigerians to cultivate long-term wealth through discipline and responsible leadership.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, described Nigeria’s successful election into the CEDAW Committee as a major diplomatic achievement made possible through teamwork and visionary leadership of the Hon. Minister.
She recounted how Nigeria’s campaign at the United Nations demonstrated the country’s renewed global relevance, revealing that strategic branding and collaboration enabled Nigeria to stand out among competing nations.
“This experience proved that Nigeria can achieve remarkable results when we work as one team. The support and leadership of the Honourable Minister inspired us throughout the entire process,” added.
Mrs. Esuabana also applauded the Minister for championing the recognition of the Care Economy as a viable economic sector capable of creating jobs, generating national revenue and improving the livelihoods of women across the country.
Earliar speaking emotionally, Mrs. Esther Eghobamien Mshelia, Nigeria’s newly elected CEDAW Committee member, expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister and the Ministry for their unwavering support throughout the election process.
She observed that Nigeria’s voice continues to command respect on the global stage because of the country’s commitment to promoting gender equality and fulfilling its international obligations.
“Outside Nigeria, the respect accorded to our country is enormous. Because of your leadership and support, Nigeria remains visible and influential in global conversations on women’s rights. We must continue telling Nigeria’s success stories to the world,” she said.
Mrs. Mshelia pledged to work closely with the Ministry Women Affairs and Social Development and relevant stakeholders to ensure Nigeria continues to fulfil its reporting obligations under CEDAW while promoting policies that advance the rights and welfare of women and girls.
In a goodwill message, the President of the National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna D. D. Azura, congratulated Mrs. Mshelia on her election and commended the Honourable Minister for her visionary and resilient leadership.
She assured the Ministry of the full support of NCWS nationwide in advancing programmes that promote women’s development.
Also speaking, renowned advocate and veteran Journalist Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, urged Nigerian women to deliberately support and uplift one another instead of pulling each other down.
She stressed that genuine engagement, sincerity and collaboration are essential ingredients for building lasting institutions and achieving sustainable progress.
“We can only build enduring legacies when we work together. Let us engage, support one another and put Nigeria first. Collaboration is the key to lasting impact,” she stated.
The event concluded with renewed commitments by government officials, civil society organisations, women’s groups and development partners to strengthen partnerships, promote economic empowerment, improve Nigeria’s global visibility and accelerate progress towards gender equality and the full implementation of women’s rights across the country.
The gathering underscored the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development’s resolve to continue positioning Nigeria as a leading voice in advancing women’s empowerment, inclusive governance and sustainable development at both national and international levels.
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau Mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations Dept.
(FMWASD)
