Nigerian Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim was applauded by top-notch women in Lagos at the weekend, affirming her performance and commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda since she was redeployed to the Ministry of Women Affairs.
In a show of solidarity, prominent Nigerian women like business mogul Bola Shagaya, Dr Anino Emuwa Chair, Women in Philanthropy and Impact Africa (WIPIA), Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Mark Okoye, Chief Executive Officer of South East Development Commission, MTN Nigeria chairman, Eng Earnest Ndukwe and Hajiya Sa’adatu, wife of Senator Shehu Musa.
Others were Dr Kemi Ibru Da Silva, Founder of WARIF; Bola Adesola, Chair of Ecobank Nigeria; Claire Omatseye, Founder/Managing Director of JNC International; Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Director for Africa; Mabel Makun; and Dr Princess Kelechi.
The consensus at the event hosted by Women in Philanthropy and Impact Africa (WIPIA) was that Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim had done well in driving and delivering the mandates of the ministry and championing the cause of women, children, families and vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
Bola Shagaya, a renowned business magnate and philanthropist, praised the minister’s dedication to empowering women through various initiatives and pledged to support the ministry when called upon.
As the founder and CEO of Bolmus Group International, Shagaya understood the importance of supporting women’s economic empowerment. “The minister’s commitment to creating opportunities for women is commendable,” Shagaya said.
Erelu Dosunmu, a respected member of the Ogun royal family in Nigeria, also lauded the minister’s efforts in promoting women’s welfare and recognised her legacy of supporting women’s empowerment.
Ndukwe and Mark Okoye, Dr Princess Kelechi, Chief Executive of City FM, Allen Doja, and other great women also pledged their support and commitment to the minister.
The minister used the forum to showcase her activities and achievements, which included setting up committees to review the 18-year-old Child Rights Act, the ambitious Nigerian for Women project, the empowerment of thousands of Nigerian women, and her compassionate gestures in supporting victims of sexual and gender-based violence, among others.
It should also be noted that the Minister of Women Affairs has implemented various programs aimed directly at promoting economic empowerment, providing opportunities for women to access finance, training, and mentorship, advocating for girls’ education and providing scholarships, combating Gender-Based Violence, and working with stakeholders to address violence against women and girls.
These prominent Nigerians urge the government and stakeholders to continue supporting the minister’s initiatives, emphasising that empowering women is crucial to Nigeria’s development. “Investing in women is investing in the future of our nation.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on the attendees to join her in advancing the vision of President Tinubu.
“Nigerians can build a brighter future for women and girls, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute to the country’s growth, prosperity, and the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu.
On her part, the Chair of WIPIA, Dr Anino Emuwa, in her opening remarks, said, “It is an honour to be here with such a powerful room of leaders from government, business, philanthropy, and civil society to celebrate the Honourable Minister- Honourable Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for her visionary
leadership and to support her critical work in advancing women and girls in Nigeria. ”
She urged that this is not the time to retreat. It is the time to push forward – boldly, collectively, and with greater resolve.”
“Let us not leave here with just ideas. Let us leave with commitments.
WIPIA stands ready to partner with the Government, Private sector and
philanthropists— to catalyse funding mobilisation, convene decision-makers, and support Nigeria’s leaders and policymakers on this journey.”
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