The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has said that her appointment marked the beginning of a new era for Nigerian women, children, and vulnerable citizens.
The Head of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mrs Grace Njoku, said in a press release that in her opening remarks at the hand-over ceremony today in her office in Abuja, the minister emphasised that this journey aims to bridge the gender gap, empower women, and ensure their rights are protected.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim informed that key areas of her focus will include empowering Women with skills development, entrepreneurial support, employment opportunities, adding that political participation will be prioritised to foster women’s advancement through education, vocational training, and leadership development.
She added that her tenure will also ensure effective application of policies and laws in order to safeguard women, children, persons with disabilities, and the vulnerable.
The minister informed further that other areas of interest have to do with Gender-Based Violence, emphasising access to swift and fair justice, expansion of social services, as well as creation of safe spaces for women and children in the country.
On the issue of child protection, the minister noted that the ministry will continue to strengthen guidelines and protocols with a view to preventing abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on all stakeholders to join forces to achieve these ambitious goals, emphasizing collective action, transparency, and relentlessness.
“To every Nigerian woman, this is your time. Together, we will break down barriers, lift each other up, ensure your voices are heard, your rights are protected, and your dreams are within reach,” she emphasized.
The minister also expressed her commitment to gender equality and inclusive growth, building on previous efforts such as the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy and Action Plan in order to ensure the realisation of the policy objectives of the present administration in line with the Revised 2021-2026 National Gender Policy which provides strategic guidance for mainstreaming gender at all levels.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their unwavering commitment to the upliftment of the lives of Nigerian women, children and the vulnerable in society.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, had assured that the ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for the realisation of government objectives, policies and programmes in line with its mandate.
He pledged the total support and loyalty of the management and Staff to the new leadership of the ministry with a view to supporting the minister in discharging her official responsibilities.