By Sharon Akuboh
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has declared that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is more committed than ever to the development, empowerment and economic progress of Nigerian women.
The Minister spoke in Abuja on Thursday when she received a high-powered delegation of the Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA), led by its National Convener and Director-General, Dr Ngozi Oyewole, in a move aimed at strengthening collaboration for the advancement of Nigerian women.
Hajia Imaan said the Federal Government was expanding its women empowerment programmes beyond traditional interventions by deliberately opening up opportunities in value addition and other profitable sectors that remain largely dominated by men.
According to her, women must be positioned to participate meaningfully in economically viable sectors capable of creating wealth, jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister also pledged to work closely with BWI-RHA, particularly as political activities build towards the 2027 general elections.
“I am willing to work with your group. There is a lot of work we need to do because we have to return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 to continue the great work he has begun in empowering Nigerian women,” she said.
Hajia Imaan added that the administration had created an unprecedented opportunity for women, stressing that the target was to mobilise 10 million votes from Nigerian women for President Tinubu.
“We have never had it this good for women in Nigeria as it is now with President Tinubu, and so we are looking to deliver 10 million votes from the women. That can only be achieved if we all work together,” she said.
Earlier, the BWI-RHA National Convener and Director-General, Dr Ngozi Oyewole, represented by the Director of Media and Communications, Hon. Evelyn Onyilo, commended the Minister for her efforts in advancing women’s economic empowerment.
Oyewole said the group was ready to partner with the Ministry on programmes and policies capable of improving the economic wellbeing of Nigerian women and increasing their contribution to national development and good governance.
“Thank you, Honourable Minister, for choosing to work with our women. You have demonstrated that in your generosity towards our Taraba chapter where you graciously gave a one million naira grant and our Rivers State chapter also where you have promised to give another one million naira grant. We are grateful and assure you of our total resolve to work with you in every aspect to attain women’s contribution towards national development and good governance,” she said.
The delegation comprised BWI-RHA national officers and members of the FCT chapter, signalling the group’s commitment to building a stronger working relationship with the Ministry.
The high point of the visit was the decoration of the Minister as the grand patron of the association and presentation of the “Distinguished Woman of National Impact” award to Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim by BWI-RHA in recognition of her contributions to women’s empowerment and national development.
you will recall that the Business Women of influence for Renewed hope agenda BWI-RHA was officially launched in June 2026 with a mission to build a strong platform where women connect, empower one another, influence society posively and contribute meaningfully to national development.