Nigeria is poised for a fresh chapter in women’s empowerment with the recent appointment of Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as the new Minister of Women’s Affairs. Having previously served as the Minister of State for Police Affairs since 2023, her promotion comes as part of President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle in October 2024.

In her first address at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, Sulaiman-Ibrahim pledged to close the gender gap, empower women, and safeguard vulnerable citizens. Expressing her gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity, she emphasized her commitment to championing women’s rights.

The minister highlighted the urgent need to tackle social, economic, and political obstacles that hinder women’s progress. She laid out several key goals, which include enforcing relevant laws, promoting equal opportunities, supporting women entrepreneurs, and protecting women and children from violence. While she acknowledged Nigeria’s advancements as reflected in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, she also pointed out that much work remains to be done.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim underscored the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and effective policy implementation to usher in this new era of empowerment. She thanked President Tinubu, the First Lady, and her predecessors for their support as she stepped into this crucial role.

Encouraging Nigerian women to unite and assert their rights, she declared, “It is indeed women o’clock in Nigeria.”