The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaam-Sulaiman Ibrahim, has announced that the ministry’s flagship national women empowerment project is expected to positively impact over 4.5 million Nigerian women.
The minister made the disclosure at the 4th African Youth Conference hosted by UNESCO in Abuja, under the theme: “We Are Stars: Thriving in a World of Limitless Opportunities.”
She was represented at the event by Princess Jumai Idonije, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Women and Community Relations.
According to her, the initiative will enhance access to finance, skills development, and market opportunities for millions of women across Nigeria.
She said the project aligns with the broader implementation of the National Women Economic Empowerment Policy, which is aimed at fully integrating women into all aspects of national development.
The minister stated that the project reflects the ministry’s mandate to protect the rights and welfare of women, children, families, and vulnerable groups across multiple sectors.
She also used the platform to advocate for the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to guarantee women greater representation in the National Assembly through constitutional means.
According to her, women make up 49 per cent of Nigeria’s population, yet remain grossly underrepresented in governance and decision-making.
Ibrahim commended the organisers of the youth conference for choosing Nigeria as the host, describing it as a strategic choice given the country’s leadership role on the continent.
She highlighted the potential of young Africans and stressed that their energy and creativity must be harnessed for the continent’s growth.
“I have seen girls developing apps to solve real-world problems, boys championing climate justice, and student entrepreneurs running export-ready businesses,” she said.
She noted that while Africa is the youngest continent globally, with more than 60 per cent of the population under 25, the continent still grapples with high youth unemployment, gender-based exclusion, and limited access to credit and education.
She urged Nigerian youths to use their voice, digital reach, and influence to promote gender justice and inclusive governance.
The minister said the Federal Government is laying the foundation for youth inclusion through initiatives such as the Not Too Young to Run Act, TETFund, and the NELFUND student loan scheme.
She also mentioned the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and CreditCorp, which are providing financial access for young entrepreneurs.
On child rights, she revealed that the ministry is currently reviewing existing laws and policies to align with global best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
She raised alarm over the high rate of child marriage in Nigeria, noting that 44 per cent of girls are married before the age of 18 — a figure that demands urgent action.
She said the ministry is working with child rights advocates to push for legal accountability, gazetted domestication of child rights laws, and budgetary backing for enforcement.
Also speaking at the event, Hon Ayodeji Alao-Akala, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, urged Nigerian youths to become active participants in shaping the country’s policies and direction.
“Nigerian youths must wake up and be actively involved in shaping the policies and direction of our nation. Your voices matter,” he said.
