New Women Affairs Minister Assumes Office, Promises New Lease of Life for Women

Transformative changes await Nigerian women under the new dispensation in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development., so says the new minister, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

In her inaugural speech on Monday at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, she vowed to bridge the gender gap, empower women, and protect vulnerable citizens.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim thanked President Tinubu for entrusting her with the role and pledged to fight for women’s rights.

She noted the urgency of addressing social, economic, and political barriers limiting women’s potential.

The minister outlined key objectives, including enforcing laws, promoting equal opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs, and protecting women and children from violence.

She cited Nigeria’s progress in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report but acknowledged significant work that lies ahead.

She emphasized that collaboration with stakeholders, legislation, and policy implementation will drive this new era and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the First Lady, and predecessors for the opportunity to serve.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged Nigerian women to unite, break barriers, and claim their rights, declaring, “It is indeed women o’clock in Nigeria.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, according to Persecondnews, made history by becoming Nigeria’s first female Minister of State for Police Affairs before moving to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

In 2019, Chief Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, the former Minister of Education, appointed the politician and businesswoman as a Special Adviser on Strategic Communication.

Suleiman-Ibrahim was removed as Director-General of the anti-trafficking agency after spending five months in the position in May 2021 and later transferred to another agency, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.

She was appointed Minister of State for Police Affairs in 2023, and the October 2024 cabinet reshuffle by President Tinubu has taken her to the Ministry of Women Affairs.