In the face of mounting pressure and orchestrated campaigns by certain ill-informed groups, the Nigeria’s Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has emerged as a beacon of hope and a paragon of effective leadership.
Hailing from Nasarawa, one of the most vibrant States in Nigeria, the Honourable Minister has brought a breath of fresh air to the Ministry, injecting it with her dynamism, compassion, and unflinching commitment to the welfare of women and children.
Under her visionary leadership, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development has witnessed a paradigm shift in its approach to women’s empowerment.
Hon. Imaan who has served in different capacities at the Federal level, including as the first Civilian to head the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP), Federal Commissioner, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons(NCFRMI), and recently as the first female Minister of State for Police Affairs, before her elevation as a senior Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been instrumental in implementing policies and programmes that have significantly improved the lives of women and girls across the country.
From skills acquisition programmes to microfinance initiatives, her administration has been a game-changer in the quest for gender equality and social justice.
One of the Minister’s greatest strengths is her ability to deliver results. Despite the numerous challenges that have beset the Ministry and on some social media platforms, Hon. Imaan has remained steadfast in her commitment to her mandate.
Her leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and decisive action.
The outcomes of her efforts are evident in the numerous success stories that have emerged from the Ministry to various parts of Nigeria, including her State of origin, Nasarawa, like the rehabilitation of vulnerable children, the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, and the provision of support services to survivors of gender-based violence.
At the Federal level, the Minister launched programmes like the Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project, targeting 4.5 million women across the country with financial literacy, business development training, and cooperative support; advocating for policies that promote women’s rights and inclusion, such as the Special Seats Bill for Women to ensure stronger legislative presence; strengthening child protection laws and services, including the launch of a Child Rights Act Review Committee and a National Child Protection Framework; as well as spearheading efforts to transition 1 million households from firewood-based cooking to clean energy solutions and advocating for gender-responsive climate action.
In Nasarawa State, the Honourable Minister has impacted countless lives and society.
As then Minister of State for Police Affairs, she empowered no fewer than Five Hundred women with grinding and sewing machines in order to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal and to make them become self-sufficient.
Hon. Imaan, through the Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention for Vulnerable Women and Families, held in November, 2024, distributed rice, pasta, seasonings, cooking oil and tomato pastes to hundreds of women and vulnerable people in Akwanga, Kokona and Keffi Local Government Areas of the State. The gesture was aimed at ameliorating the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, particularly women.
Also, the Honourable Minister donated material and financial supports to vulnerable women to start up businesses during one of her statewide tours to the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Rtd. Justice Sidi Bage.
In an era marked by cynicism and disillusionment with public officials, the Federal Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development stands out as a shining example of dedicated public service.
Her integrity, work ethic, and passion for her work are qualities that are all too rare in our today’s public sphere.
Hon. Imaan is a clear proof to the fact that public service can be a noble and rewarding vocation when undertaken with sincerity and commitment.
Given her exemplary leadership and the tangible results she has achieved, particularly in her penchant to strengthen and implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of her principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), calls for her removal or redeployment are not only unfounded but also unjustifiable and misguided.
These calls are often driven by misinformation, partisan politics, envy and fear for her continuous rising profile, or a lack of understanding of the Minister’s role and responsibilities.
It is imperative that we reject such baseless attempts to undermine her efforts and instead support her in her quest to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children.
As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, we need leaders like Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim who are driven by a sense of purpose and a commitment to the greater good.
It is our collective responsibility to support and empower such leaders, rather than succumbing to the whims of vocal minorities or special interest groups.
Let us rally behind our Minister who has continuously emphasized the importance of collective action, transparency, and relentlessness in achieving her ambitious goals, and give her the needed support she deserves to continue her outstanding work.
Summarily, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is a leader of unflinching resolve, whose excellent leadership style and result-oriented approach have earned her a reputation as one of the most effective Ministers in the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu(GCFR).
We stand in solidarity with her and urge our fellow citizens to do the same, as she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of women and children across Nigeria.
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Eche Amos is the CEO and Founder of Cheetah Generation Association cum Public Commentator
