Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has received the 6th Accolade Yellow Ball and Awards Women Empowerment Icon and Minister of the Year Award.
Receiving the award at a colourful and well-attended ceremony in Abuja, the Minister reaffirmed her inclusive approach to leadership and national development.
“All the time, I have declared that the Minister for women is also the Minister for men because once you have the women, you have the men.”
She applauded the convener of the initiative, Doofan Tor, for sustaining the platform over the years and dedicated the award to Nigerian women, families and vulnerable groups across the country.
“This award is for all the Nigerian women and the men, the families, and the children that we look after and the vulnerable people that we serve every day in line of duty.”
Describing Nigerian women as resilient and exceptional, she said:
“Nigerian women are phenomenal. When I was made Minister for Women Affairs, I was a bit jittery, because most of my friends are male, but the more I speak to Nigerian women, the more I appreciate them; the more I celebrate them.”
While pledging continued commitment towards addressing challenges confronting women socially, economically and politically, the Minister also acknowledged the growing support for women’s empowerment and inclusion.
“I would like to also use this opportunity to appreciate all the He4She’s that continue to invest in the women’s agency, the women’s ecosystem. The space that is being invested in, we thank you for your belief in the women. We invest in the women, we spend in the family, we spend in the community, and we also spend in our nation.”
Responding to questions from journalists shortly after the ceremony, the Minister said the recognition reflected growing confidence in the administration’s agenda for women and vulnerable citizens; “It means that we are on the right track.”
She referenced the recent mobilisation of women across political, regional and generational lines during the recently convened 10 Million National Women Mega Empowerment and Rally in support of President Bola Tinubu’s vision.
“A few days ago we gathered, and we clearly demonstrated that we are happy with Mr President’s vision for the women in Nigeria, and we pledged our unalloyed support. We all came together to say we speak with one voice because we agree, we endorse, we applaud, and we recognise Mr President’s efforts for the women in Nigeria, for the children, for the family units, and also for the vulnerable people.”
On efforts to strengthen social work practice in Nigeria, the Minister disclosed that implementation of the Social Work Act was receiving priority attention.
“Yesterday was the highlight because we had a meeting with a lot of the members of the association, our social workers. As you are aware, there is an act that has been passed into law, and Mr President has prioritised the operationalisation of that particular act.”
She further stated, “So very soon you will see the emergence of a very strong social work council and a stronger social workforce in Nigeria. It is a work in progress; we will do it together.”
Delivering a message to women across the country, the Minister noted increasing support for women’s participation and advancement at all levels of leadership.
“The word is that it is women o’clock in Nigeria. We have never had a rise in a crop of he-for-she in Nigeria. We have a president that is a he-for-she; we have a vice-president that is a he-for-she; we have a senate president that is a he-for-she, a deputy speaker. So it is truly women o’clock, and I want women to seize the opportunity and run with it.”
The Minister lauded male allies for supporting women’s inclusion and empowerment.
“We appreciate all the he-for-she’s; we are advocating for positive masculinity, and we will give it our best shot to be partners in progress and prosperity in building this nation.”
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Accolade Dynamic Limited, Doofan Tor, said recipients of the awards emerged through a transparent public voting process.
“The award recipients all emerged through a publicly transparent voting system and were all rewarded for making remarkable impacts in their various niches.”
Other award recipients included Minister of State FCT Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure; Benue State Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and his spouse; as well as Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu and spouse; Emir of Keffi Dr Shehu Isman Chindo Yamusa III; among others.
