The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has described the launch of the Nasarawa Young Female Leaders Initiative (NAYFLI) and the unveiling of its first cohort as a significant step towards strengthening grassroots leadership and promoting sustainable development among young women.
Speaking at the official launch in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the Minister said the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for women and deepen community-based leadership.
Represented by the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Princess Jummai Idonije, the Minister commended the founder of NAYFLI, Halima Gayam, for demonstrating “vision, consistency and structural resilience in conceptualising and establishing NAYFLI, choosing not to sit on the sidelines of history but to build a structural ladder for other young women to climb.”
Addressing participants, the Minister said the programme’s theme, “Rising to Lead: Empowering Nasarawa Young Women for Impact, Influence and Sustainable Development,” reflects the need to address barriers that continue to hinder the advancement of young women.
“For too long, the narrative surrounding young women has been heavily weighed down by systemic limitations, economic exclusion and structural imbalances,” she said, noting that the pioneer cohort represents “an unstoppable army of change agents ready to deliver impact and drive positive influence.”
The Minister linked the initiative to the Nigerian Government’s broader social development agenda, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had designated 2026 as the Year of Family and Social Development.
She highlighted the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774), describing it as “an intentional nine-pillared intervention framework designed to deliver rapid and sustainable socio-economic growth across all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria.”
According to the Minister, NAYFLI reflects the leadership development pillar of the framework, which focuses on women’s leadership, political mentorship and sub-national capacity building.
“By selecting, training and unveiling this first cohort of young female leaders, you are creating the highly skilled human resource base that will drive our grassroots development goals here in Nasarawa State,” she stated.
The Minister further noted that government efforts are focused on strengthening affirmative procurement, financial literacy and grassroots implementation of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy.
Charging members of the inaugural cohort, she urged them to embrace collaboration and remain responsive to the needs of women in their communities.
“You have not been chosen to fulfil a numerical quota or to be mere spectators at a ceremony, but because you carry a seed of leadership that Nasarawa State, and indeed Nigeria, urgently require,” she said.
Reaffirming support for the initiative, the Minister pledged continued partnership from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development through technical assistance, strategic alignment and mentorship opportunities.
She also called on the Nasarawa State Government, development partners and traditional institutions to strengthen support systems for young women leaders by providing access to decision-making platforms and economic opportunities.
The initiative was officially launched by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe.
Founded by Halima Gayam, NAYFLI provides young women with mentorship, capacity-building opportunities and strategic engagement platforms designed to enhance leadership and community development.
The event culminated in the unveiling of the first cohort of NAYFLI participants, who were encouraged to champion community transformation and contribute to sustainable development across Nasarawa State.
