Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim fsi has called on stakeholders to sustain their collaboration with the Minstry towards advancing a coordinated national agenda for women, children, families, and vulnerable groups under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Declaring open the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Children Development in Benin, Edo State, the Minister emphasized that national development cannot be achieved without fully harnessing the potentials of women and protecting the nation’s children, hence the need for all players to sustain their efforts.
The Minister stated:
“The real work of nation-building begins where women, children, the vulnerable, and abandoned voices are placed at the center of decision-making, stressing that “Inclusion is not charity—it is economic strategy and national survival.”
She reaffirmed that the conversations and innovations emerging from the Council will directly shape frameworks, policies, and programmes of the Ministry, noting that Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy demands the full participation of women, who make up over 50% of the population.
The Minister in her address highlighted the following stark realities:
“Women own 43% of MSMEs, but only 9% have access to formal credit
Women’s representation in leadership remains below expectations
Girls in rural areas are twice as likely to be out of secondary school compared to boys”
According to her, these are barriers, but they are also signals of where our greatest opportunities lie.
The Minister Showcases some of the Transformative Impacts of Renewed Hope Social Intervention Programmes including the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions – 774 (RH-SII774) now active in over 18 states, supporting women farmers, entrepreneurs, clean cooking initiatives, market linkages, and strengthening families through the Families First Initiative.
She further noted that the Ministry is advancing efforts to build a National Care Economy Framework to unlock the productive capacity of millions of women.
“In addition, the Ministry’s empowerment programmes have reached hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries, with further progress recorded in child protection, nutrition, and violence prevention programmes, including:
Implementation of the Child Rights Act and VAPP Act
Launch of the Nutrition and Food Systems Department
Partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture
Nutrition-sensitive interventions such as ANRiN
Distribution of palliatives to vulnerable households”.
The Minister applauded the designation of Edo State as one of Nigeria’s seven CEDAW Cities, calling it “a model of gender-responsive governance.”
Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo in his speech at the occasion reaffirmed Leadership in Women’s Rights and Social Inclusion
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Senator Dennis Idahosa, he welcomed delegates to “the heartbeat of the nation,” celebrating Edo’s historic culture of women leadership.
He stated:
“Every great society is built on the strength of its women. This is a time for our women and youths to shine.” he said.
The Governor outlined Edo State’s achievements, including:
Interest-free loans to empower women traders and small business owners
Strengthened gender-responsive governance structures
Increased representation of women in leadership positions
Expanded partnerships to combat GBV and human trafficking
Broader access to education and healthcare for women and girls.
The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Abdallah Eugenia, shared significant state accomplishments, including:
Empowerment of 5,000 women through start-up support and vocational programmes
Strengthening of GBV response systems through Sexual Assault Referral Centres
Enhanced child protection, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration mechanisms
New disability inclusion and empowerment initiatives
She described the Council as a turning point, stating:
“This conference is a call to reflection, renewal, and collaboration.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs, Engr. Fashina Faruk, commended the Honourable Minister and Edo State for their leadership.
She affirmed:
“We at the helm of leadership must bring the Renewed Hope Social Agenda to vivid reality for women, children, families, and vulnerable groups nationwide.”
She noted the Presidency’s ongoing advocacy visits across states to strengthen awareness on girls’ rights, domestic violence, and the welfare of women in correctional facilities.
College of Commissioners Calls for Accelerated Gender Reforms
Delivering a national goodwill message, the Dean of Commissioners and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Cross River State, Hon. Edema Irom, called for increased investment in gender equality.
She asserted:
“Gender equality is not merely a human right—it is an economic and social necessity.”
She called for urgent action in the areas of:
Gender-based violence, Child labour and trafficking, Nutrition and malnutrition,
Climate resilience and Increased political representation for women
She also emphasized the importance of supporting the Reserved Seats for Women.Bill.
A National Mandate: No One Must Be Left Behind
As the 25th National Council on Women Affairs concluded, stakeholders collectively pledged:
“Together, we will build resilient systems, deepen social impact, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda so that no one is left behind.”
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau mnipr
Head, Press & Public Relations Department
