The newly appointed Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has pledged her commitment to combating gender inequality and advancing opportunities for women across Nigeria.
In her inaugural address on Monday in Abuja, Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined her vision to achieve gender equity and improve the welfare of vulnerable groups.
She acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s steadfast support for women’s empowerment and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead efforts toward gender equality.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for every Nigerian woman, child, and vulnerable citizen,” she stated, addressing the persistent challenges women face in politics, business, employment, and education.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim cited the stark underrepresentation of women in leadership, noting that women currently occupy less than 5% of elective positions and hold under 22% of senior roles in the private sector.
She emphasized that the ministry will implement targeted policies to close these gaps and support women’s advancement into leadership roles.
The minister highlighted the vital role of Nigerian women in the economy, noting that 41% of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are owned by women. She expressed her intent to strengthen support for female entrepreneurs and boost economic opportunities for women across sectors.
Acknowledging the work of her predecessors and the ministry’s partners, Sulaiman-Ibrahim vowed that her tenure “will not be ‘business as usual.’ We are entering a new era where action will speak louder than words.”
In a powerful message to Nigerian women, she declared, “This is your time. Together, we will break down barriers, lift each other up, and ensure that your voices are heard.”
The minister’s agenda signals a proactive, collaborative approach to advancing gender equality, calling on all stakeholders, including government and civil society, to join in this mission.
