The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has proposed renaming the Ministry as the Federal Ministry of Women, Children, Families, and Vulnerable Groups to reflect its expanded mandate and integrated responsibilities.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Mr Jonathan Eze, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, in commemoration of the 2025 Democracy Day celebration on Thursday in Abuja.
The Minister highlighted recent achievements by the Ministry, including increased budgetary allocations to the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, which she described as a sign of national recognition of the pivotal role women and families play in societal progress.
“Our work continues to be rooted in the mandate to protect, empower, and uplift women, children, families, and vulnerable groups,” she said.
“However, today’s democracy requires more than protection it requires active participation. We must all become co-creators of the Nigeria we envision.
“This is why we support the proposal to rename the Ministry to reflect its broader, inclusive scope as the Federal Ministry of Women, Children, Families, and Vulnerable Groups.
“The name should reflect the vision, the vision must respond to the need, and the need should inform the mission.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing women and children, the Minister acknowledged their immense contributions to democracy, peacebuilding, and national development.
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“Let us recommit ourselves to a democracy that is visible in our farms and factories, our homes and hospitals, our classrooms and council halls.
“Let us recommit to a democracy where every woman is valued, every child is cherished, every family has a place, and every vulnerable person is recognised and supported.
“Democracy is not a one-day affair it is a continuous commitment. Let us sustain it not only through legislation but with compassion; not just with policy, but with purpose; not simply through the ballot box, but through our shared values.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our democracy grows stronger through inclusion.
“Our future is brighter when no one is left behind. And our collective purpose is higher when it is grounded in justice, dignity, and hope,” she concluded.
