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Tag: Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

  • Women Affairs Minister to launch children’s fund in London, deliver keynote

    Women Affairs Minister to launch children’s fund in London, deliver keynote

    Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, will deliver a keynote address and join in the launch of the Community Children’s Fund (CCF) on Monday at SOAS University of London.

    The event has the theme: “A Future for Every Child: Unlocking Opportunities for Street and Rural Children.”

    It is a key segment of the conference titled: “Advancing Africa’s Agenda for Children 2040: Preventing Street-Connected Children in West Africa.”

    The highlight of the event, according to the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Jonathan Eze, will be the launch of the CCF.

    It is a groundbreaking initiative designed to implement systemic changes that address the root causes of child vulnerability, fostering sustainable, long-term solutions for street-connected children.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim, renowned for her passionate advocacy for women’s empowerment and children’s rights, has been a driving force behind transformative initiatives in Nigeria. 

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    Under her leadership, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has spearheaded impactful programs such as the Nigeria for Women Project, a collaboration with the World Bank aimed at empowering women through financial inclusion, skills acquisition, and economic opportunities.

    At the SOAS event, the minister will emphasise the urgent need to protect and promote the rights of vulnerable children, particularly those living on the streets or in rural communities. 

    Her address will call for concerted efforts to tackle the systemic issues driving child vulnerability in West Africa.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s participation in this pivotal event reaffirms her dedication to advancing the welfare and rights of women and children not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.

    Her insights are expected to inspire global stakeholders to collaborate in creating a brighter future for every child.

  • Women Affairs Minister leads campaign against gender-based violence

    Women Affairs Minister leads campaign against gender-based violence

    Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called on Nigerian women, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sector and other stakeholders to join her in driving an all-inclusive campaign against Gender Based Violence (GBV) from November 25 to December 10.

    The 16 Days of Activism is a campaign supported by the United Nations that calls for action to end violence against women and girls.

    This year’s theme is: “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

    The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has lined up activities to commemorate the global event. 

    They include, town hall meeting with women groups, GBV awareness rallies in the six geopolitical zones in collaboration with the Offices of the First Lady, flag-off of nationwide campaigns with the release of Helium Balloons as well as interdenominational prayers for Muslims and Christians (in all mosques and churches nationwide).

    The 2024 observance provides the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs with the national mechanism for the advancement of women in Nigeria, under the leadership of Suleiman-Ibrahim, to consolidate on the gains made in the past through the efforts of the Federal Government, CSOs, and international partners in addressing GBV.

    The minister stressed the need to ensure sustainability of the issues raised, even after the days of observance with a view to bringing cases of GBV to its barest minimum.

    She said: “Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a hydra-headed monster affecting millions of women, children and marginalised communities in Nigeria.”

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the incidences of reported cases soared to a frightening scale in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

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    She noted that this led to the Federal Executive Council to pass a resolution which called for urgent measures against the menace as well as a declaration of the State of Emergency against GBV in the country by the governors.

    She called on government at all levels, civil society organiaations and the private sector to accelerate progress towards ending violence against women and girls.

    Community actions are also encouraged during the campaign, such as reporting abusers, signing the pledge against Gender-Based Violence, challenging cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities.

    Others are being supportive to GBV victims, teaching children values of gender equality, protecting children from exposure to violence and harmful content on the internet and social media, developing policies that prevent and deal with gender-based violence.

    The 16 days campaign was started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991.

    It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

    In support of this civil society initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General launched in 2008 the campaign UNITE by 2030 to End Violence against Women, which runs parallel to the 16 Days of Activism. 

    Every year, the UNITE Campaign focuses on a specific theme and this year’s is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”.

  • Ibrahim-Sulaiman to women: we can achieve great things together

    Ibrahim-Sulaiman to women: we can achieve great things together

    Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has assured Nigerian women that she is poised to work with them in delivering the renewed hope mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    She spoke on Thursday,  October 31, in Jos, Plateau State, during the 24th Edition of the Annual Meeting of the National Council on Women Affairs.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged the women to continue to stand strong and draw strength from the shared goal of advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda despite challenges. 

    “As a nation, we must move beyond ethnic and regional divides to build a Nigeria that prioritizes equity, opportunity, and prosperity for every citizen,” she said.

    The council is a forum for making far-reaching and painstaking decisions to improve the lives and 

    livelihood of women, children and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria. 

    The meeting also provides the platform to monitor achievements, share knowledge and exchange expertise among stakeholders to effectively deliver on the mandate of the Ministry in the overall interest of the groups that make up the council.

    The minister who was well received by the council reminded the gathering that the President has mandated her to deliver on 19 deliverables focused on enhancing social inclusion and reducing poverty.

    She added that towards enhancing the effective implementation of these deliverables, the Ministry is working to harmonise efforts, mobilise domestic and international resources, and strengthen partnerships and collaborations.

    “We will prioritise and focus more on drastically reducing incidences of gender-based violence, structural inequalities and other harmful practices that affect the well-being of women and children more,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

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    According to her, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has made significant progress in addressing economic inequalities that impedes women’s prosperity in the country. 

    “We have implemented a number of programmes to engender economic reliance and self-sufficiency of women like Nigeria for Women Project: This is an Economic empowerment programme designed for rural women and girls. 

    “The Ministry in collaboration with the World Bank implements this programme to develop the skill and expertise of women and girls in local financial literacy and skills acquisition. 

    “The programme commenced in six pilot states: Ogun (Southwest), Niger (Northcentral), Abia (Southeast), Taraba (Northeast) and Kebbi (Northwest), through the established Women Affinity Groups. 

    “So far, the project has disbursed over N3billion to 67,358 women beneficiaries. 

    “This has, in no small measure, helped to facilitate improved access to finance by enabling rural women to meet their specific business needs, increase their productive assets and improve their quality of life; including their food, education, and health, as well as contribute to household expenditure in the long run.

    “Due to the successes recorded, the remaining 30 States of the Federation and the FCT will be covered in the next phase of the project. 

    “The Ministry in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Finance and supported by the World Bank, has successfully implemented the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE). 

    “The goal of the programme is to create opportunities to enable girls’ access to education at least to complete their secondary education while also receiving necessary life information that helps to empower them.”

    The minister thanked President Tinubu for entrusting her with the honour of the welfare and advancement of Nigerian women, children, and the vulnerable.

    She also expressed deep appreciation to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and thanked her for her steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment and tireless advocacy for inclusivity and social justice across the nation.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim also thanked local and international development partners whose commitment has been instrumental in furthering shared goals.

  • Minister promises to draft authors of cybercrime book into Fed Govt’s committee

    Minister promises to draft authors of cybercrime book into Fed Govt’s committee

    •Why we have cybercrimes upsurge in Nigeria, by writers

    The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has promised to draft the authors of a book, titled: Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Readiness, and Financial Crime Investigation in Nigeria, Dr. Tombari Sibe and Prof. Christian Kaunert, into Federal Government’s Committee on National Policing Policy.

    Sibe, a lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering at the Rivers State University, Diobu (Mile III) in Port Harcourt, is a Cybersecurity/Digital Forensic expert with over two decades of professional experience in Information Technology Consulting, while Kaunert is Professor of International Security in the School of Law and Government at the Dublin City University in Ireland.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that experts like Sibe and Kaunert were needed in the committee she said was being put together.

    She said the authors would provide inputs on cybersecurity frameworks for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The minister, who was represented by her Senior Technical Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Mike Imafidor, spoke during the book launch in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    She said the ministry was focused on driving police reforms through the integration of advanced technologies.

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    Sulaiman-Ibrahim said: “Another significant element is the development of a national policing policy with the committee currently being formed.

    “We will extend an invitation to Dr. Sibe and Professor Kaunert to join the committee, particularly in the section focusing on cybersecurity and technology adoption within the NPF.

    “The aim is to establish a framework for technology integration, avoiding isolated systems that are difficult to connect and ensuring smooth inter-operability. The goal is to create a policy that guarantees the sustainability of these technological efforts.”

  • Minister: I’ll advocate for laws to empower women

    Minister: I’ll advocate for laws to empower women

    Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, yesterday vowed to advocate for laws to empower and protect the rights of women.

    She spoke in Abuja while addressing the ministry’s management, staff and stakeholders.

    She promised that her tenure would be innovative and not business as usual.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim said: “We will work tirelessly to ensure that women’s voices are heard and represented in all areas of governance.

    “We will advocate for laws that empower women and ensure their rights are protected.

    “This will include working closely with legislators and civil society to bring discriminatory laws to an end.

    “Women and girls who suffer from gender-based violence must have access to swift and fair justice.

    “We will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a robust and effective response to such incidents.

    “We will expand social services, ensuring they are equipped to support survivors of violence and collaborate with partners to create safe spaces for those affected.

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    “In partnership with stakeholders, we will strengthen guidelines and protocols for the protection of children from abuse, trafficking, and exploitation. The well-being of our children will always be a top priority.

    “These mandates from Mr President are very clear, and I am immensely grateful to him for his confidence in me to lead this charge.“I will not betray that confidence or let Nigerians down. We will work to make the adjustments necessary to become Africa’s leader in gender equity.

    “I have a proven record from my tenure at NAPTIP, where I led Nigeria from a Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 1.

    “Tangible results are achievable when we commit to our objectives. Once again, I pledge to deliver.

    “It is indeed Women’s O’clock in Nigeria. I am calling on all hands to be on deck to support this movement of equity and progress.

    “To every Nigerian woman: this is your time. Together, we will break down barriers, lift each other up, and ensure that your voices are heard, your rights are protected, and your dreams are within reach.

    “I am here for you, and we will walk this path forward, hand in hand, towards a brighter and more inclusive Nigeria.”

    The former Minister of Police Affairs was warmly received by the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda amid cheers, dance performances and music by the staff, different women’s groups and party members.

    Also present were delegations from Nasarawa, the minister’s home state, who expressed hope that the minister has the wherewithal to create positive and lasting impacts.

    The minister appreciated the warm reception and assured them that they are entering a new era, where action will speak louder than words, policies will translate into practical actions, and efforts that would reflect the urgent call for justice, equality, and progress for the Nigerian women would commence in earnest.

    While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, the First Lady, for the confidence reposed on her, Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that the President has directed her to take specific, impactful actions that would improve the welfare of Nigerian women and advance the course of the girl child and the vulnerable ones in the society.

    The Permanent Secretary extolled the virtues of the minister, pledging the support of the staff and management to the actualisation of the renewed hope agenda of the President.

    Mrs Moji Makanjuola, Geraldine Etuk, and AIG Aishatu Baju took turns to commend the minister and urged her to carry everyone along as she repositions the ministry.

    Director General of the Maryam Babangida Women Centre, Dr Asabe Vilita Bashir, noted that the ministry was fortunate to have the calibre of personality of Sulaiman-Ibrahim as its new minister, praying that the Almighty should grant her wisdom to succeed.

  • Tasks before Sulaiman-Ibrahim, by APC national women leader

    Tasks before Sulaiman-Ibrahim, by APC national women leader

    National women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Mary Alile Idele, has identified some tasks before the new Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

    She urged the immediate-past Minister of State Police Affairs to work towards implementing policies that combat gender-based violence and support vulnerable women in the country.

    Idele also called on Sulaiman-Ibrahim to leverage her position to champion initiatives that will provide women with greater access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim was among 10 ministers’ re-assigned portfolios on Wednesday.

    Idele believes the minister is a good fit for the Women’s Ministry considering her humility and hard work.

    “Her unique qualities make her suitable to lead the Ministry of Women Affairs,” Idele said in a statement on Thursday.

    Extending her heartfelt congratulations to the new minister, Idele called on women of APC and Nigerians at all levels to support her to deliver as she did as Police Minister.

    She expressed confidence in Imaan’s capabilities to drive policies that will significantly enhance the welfare and empowerment of women across the nation.

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    The APC women leader emphasised the importance of visionary leadership in addressing the myriad challenges faced by women and girls in Nigeria.

    Idele added: “Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to women’s issues make her a perfect fit for this critical role.

    “Her appointment is not only a victory for women in Nigeria, but a testament to the APC’s dedication to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in our society.”

    The APC national women leader encouraged all stakeholders to support the new Minister in her efforts to uplift women and ensure their voices are heard in the corridors of power.

    “Once again, congratulations to Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim on this well-deserved appointment. The APC looks forward to seeing her impactful leadership in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs”, she said.