society
10 Million Women, Millions of Children: Nigeria’s Boldest Gender Reform Yet
Inside Nigeria’s Bold Plan to Empower 10 Million Women – And Protect Its Children
By Otega Ogra
February 19, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, had been in office for just a few days when she cradled a terrified 4-year-old girl—shaking, traumatised—after surviving brutal abuse.
That moment, she says, changed everything.
“I looked into her eyes, and I knew—this cannot be business as usual,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim told reporters in Abuja during a briefing marking her first 100 days in office under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. “The time for slow progress is over. It is Women O’Clock in Nigeria.”
And she’s not kidding.
In just over three months, Sulaiman-Ibrahim has rolled out an ambitious plan to economically empower 10 million Nigerian women by 2027, overhaul child protection laws, and put Nigeria at the frontlines of global gender leadership.
Her message? Policies are not enough. It’s action time.
Big Moves: 10 Million Women By 2027
The minister’s plan centres on a major push to unlock the economic potential of Nigerian women—more than 100 million strong—as drivers of the country’s future.
“We’re not just talking about women’s empowerment as charity,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said. “We’re talking about building a $1 trillion economy; women will be at the centre of it.”
The Ministry launched the Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project, backed by the World Bank, to reach 4.5 million women across all 36 states and the capital, Abuja.
The goal? Equip women with business skills, financial literacy, and cooperative funding to start and grow businesses.
But that’s not all.
A partnership with WEMA Bank is rolling out the MOWA-SARA Skills Acquisition Program, which targets 500,000 women for training in vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and digital finance.
In Kano State, the pilot program is already training 2,500 women in tailoring, catering, and hospitality.
And coming next—a National Microfinance Framework for Women Entrepreneurs to give women affordable loans and investment tools to build their futures.
No Child Left Behind
Economic empowerment is only part of the story.
The other half?
Protecting Nigeria’s most vulnerable—its children.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim made it clear: The nation’s children are now a top priority.
A Child Rights Act Review Committee is already working to toughen laws against child abuse, trafficking, and underage marriage—problems that have plagued Nigeria for years.
“We’re closing the loopholes. We’re making sure no abuser escapes justice,” the Minister said.
But she’s not stopping at laws.
Her Ministry is developing a National Child Protection Framework—a first-of-its-kind nationwide system to safeguard children—and is exploring the creation of a dedicated institution focused solely on child welfare.
In the meantime, Sulaiman-Ibrahim is tackling the everyday struggles holding girls back.
Her national menstrual hygiene campaign is distributing 10,000 menstrual kits to girls, aiming to keep them in school and break the stigma around periods.
Violence? Not On Her Watch
Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s message on gender-based violence is blunt: Enough is enough. Representing Nigeria at the Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, Colombia, she unveiled bold targets:
2 million children at risk of violence will receive support services by 2030.
10 million families will get evidence-based parenting support to prevent abuse at home.
“Nigeria is standing up,” she said. “We are saying—we will protect our children.”
Clean Energy for Survival
Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s focus also extends to climate survival, knowing that women in rural areas bear the harshest burden.
Her team is pushing to transition 1 million households from firewood cooking to clean energy solutions, reducing health risks and environmental damage.
Taking Nigeria to the World
But Sulaiman-Ibrahim isn’t just shaking things up at home—she’s putting Nigeria on the global map for gender equality leadership.
This March, Nigeria will host six high-impact sessions—a historic first—on financial inclusion, women’s leadership, and child protection at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York.
At COP29 in Azerbaijan, her Ministry will push for gender-focused climate action, demanding that women’s voices be part of global climate solutions.
“We are no longer on the sidelines. Nigeria is leading the global gender conversation,” she said.
The Road Ahead
The High-Level Presidential Advisory Council on Women and Girls has been formed to keep the momentum—bringing together policy leaders to ensure these programs don’t just stay on paper.
“We are breaking down doors so Nigerian women and children get what they deserve,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
Her message to Nigerians?
“It is Women O’Clock. We are not asking for permission. We are moving forward.”
The Bottom Line
In 100 days, Sulaiman-Ibrahim has taken Nigeria’s Ministry of Women Affairs from rhetoric to action.
The stakes are high.
But for the millions of Nigerian women and children depending on her, failure is not an optionV.
“We will get this done,” she said, with fire in her voice.
“Because their future depends on it.”
Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation
The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.
The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.
Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.
This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.
As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.
Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps
Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.
Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:
“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”
This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.
society
FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria
FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria
In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.
According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.
“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”
Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.
By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.
For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.
As one youth participant reflected:
“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”
The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.
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