The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development says its flagship national project is poised to reach over 4.5 million Nigerian women by expanding access to finance, skills acquisition, and market linkages.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaam-Sulaiman Ibrahim, made this known at the fourth edition of the African Youth Conference (AYC), organised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Abuja.
The event, themed “We Are Stars: Thriving in a World of Limitless Opportunities,” brought together youth leaders, policymakers and civil society advocates from across the continent.
Represented by Princess Jumai Idonije, Senior Special Assistant on Women and Community Relations, Ibrahim said the Ministry was also vigorously implementing the National Women Economic Empowerment Policy.
She described the policy as “a comprehensive strategy designed to integrate women into all aspects of national development.”
According to the minister, the women-focused initiative reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of women, children, families, and vulnerable groups across multiple sectors.
Ibrahim further underscored the Ministry’s support for the Special Seats Bill, aimed at constitutionally guaranteeing increased representation for women in the National Assembly.
She stressed that the Bill was vital, noting, “Women make up 49 per cent of Nigeria’s population, yet remain significantly underrepresented in politics.”
Commending the conference organisers, the minister said, “The theme of this year’s conference, ‘We Are Stars: Thriving in a World of Limitless Opportunities,’ resonates deeply. It is a bold affirmation of your power, your promise, and your place.”
Reflecting on her time in office since October 2024, she noted: “I have witnessed firsthand how unstoppable young people can be. I have seen girls developing apps to solve real-world problems, boys championing climate justice, and student entrepreneurs running export-ready businesses.”
“You are not waiting for permission, and that is how it should be. Your courage and creativity inspire a new vision for Africa,” she added.
Ibrahim highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, saying: “Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with over 60 per cent of our population under the age of 25. This is not just a demographic statistic; it is a strategic advantage.”
However, she also addressed existing challenges: “Youth unemployment is rising; too many young women face gender-based exclusion; and access to credit, education, and decision-making spaces remain uneven.”
She called on the youth to take action, stating, “We need your voice, your influence, your digital reach. Your support can tip the scale toward gender justice and participatory governance.”
Also Read: Women Affairs Minister Calls for National Implementation of CSW69 Outcomes
The minister also outlined government-led efforts to promote youth inclusion, referencing the Not Too Young to Run Act, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and the NELFUND student loan scheme. She added that programmes like the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and CreditCorp are helping to increase access to finance and foster innovation.
On child welfare, Ibrahim said the Ministry is currently reviewing child-related legislation to align with international standards and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“This is critical, as over 44 per cent of girls in Nigeria are married before their 18th birthday, a statistic that must provoke urgent and coordinated action,” she said.
She added that the Ministry is collaborating with child rights advocates to push for accountability, domestication of laws, and increased budgetary support for the protection of all children.
Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, Mr Ayodeji Alao-Akala, urged Nigerian youth to become more engaged in national development and policymaking.
Alao-Akala, who chairs the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, stated, “Nigerian youths must wake up and be actively involved in shaping the policies and direction of our nation. Your voices matter, and the youth conference is a vital platform to be heard.”
