FGN, Edo Govt pledge Commitment to Women Empowerment and Social Inclusion




The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the protection of the Nigerian child.


The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imman Sulaiman-Ibrahim gave this assurance at the 25th Regular National Council Meeting on women Affairs and Child Development, on Thursday in Benin 



The event featured distribution of cooking gas to 100 women to encourage clean cooking as well as financial aid to some women entrepreneurs.


Sulaiman-Ibrahim,  emphasized  the importance of women's empowerment in driving Nigeria's economic growth.



According to  the minister,   closing the gender gap in labour force participation could add $229 billion to Nigeria's GDP by 2030.



The minister highlighted the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs' initiatives to promote women empowerment, including the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions programme.



 She noted that the programme aimed  to enhance women participation in agriculture, clean cooking initiatives, and entrepreneurship. 


She also noted the Ministry's efforts to strengthen families through the Families First Initiative and establish a National Care Economy Framework.


The minister commended Edo  for being recognized as one of the seven CEDAW Cities in Nigeria.


She said it is a  milestone that symbolizes progress in domesticating global gender commitments. 


She however, encouraged other states to follow suit and emphasized the importance of accountability, learning, and partnership in advancing women's empowerment.


The minister also highlighted notable achievements, including women breaking barriers in leadership positions and sports.


 She emphasized that empowering women is a strategic pathway to unlocking the prosperity and resilience of the nation.



Also speaking, Gov Monday Okpebholo of Edo reaffirmed the state's commitment to advancing women's empowerment and social inclusion. 


The governor, represented by his deputy, 

Dennis Idahosa emphasized the importance of building a society where every woman and child can live with dignity, purpose, and hope.


The governor highlighted Edo State's rich history of women's leadership, citing examples of iconic women such as Queen Idia, Emotan, and Professor Grace Alele-Williams. 



He also noted the appointment of Pro Idia Ize-Iyamu as the first female Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, a milestone for women in leadership.


Okpebholo outlined the state's initiatives to promote women's empowerment, including access to interest-free loans, strengthening the Ministry of Women Affairs, and elevating women to key leadership positions. 


He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with development partners to build sustainable frameworks for inclusion.


The governor urged women and youths to take advantage of the opportunities available to them, saying "this is your time to SHINE." 


He expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and development partners for their support.

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