The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has commended the outgoing United Kingdom Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever OBE, for her service and contributions to the country’s development.
Speaking at a farewell event held in Abuja in honour of the departing diplomat, the Minister described Lever as a widely respected and admired envoy whose commitment and impact had left a lasting impression across various sectors of Nigerian society.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed appreciation for Lever’s engagement and collaboration during her tenure in Nigeria, noting that “her efforts has strengthened relations and supported initiatives that benefited many communities.”
She wished the outgoing diplomat success in her future endeavours and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining the cordial relationship between both countries.
“On behalf of the women of Nigeria, thank you for your service, you have come, you have carved your niche and you have made impact,” the Minister said.
Paying tribute to Lever’s broad acceptance and relationships across diverse constituencies, Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the gathering reflected the esteem in which she is held.
“You are one of the few that is loved by all, if you look at this room its women from every walks of life. The creative economy, the social, the political space, the academia, the civil society,” she stated.
The Minister also lauded Lever’s resilience, work ethic and embrace of Nigerian culture.
“I want you to know that you came to Nigeria, you saw Nigeria and you conquered Nigeria, from your dancing steps and your dress, we all know that we have to prepare your Nigerian passport,” she eulogised.
As part of the farewell ceremony, Sulaiman-Ibrahim presented Lever with a souvenir designed by Nigerian fashion designer, Rukkayah Suleiman of Reedas, describing it as ‘an exclusive atelier piece created for female ministers and made from Nigeria’s unity fabric.’
“You are going to be missed. This is from all the Nigerian women and men. Everyone from Nigeria that you served in every capacity. It is made out of our unity fabric that will grow to unify us, so that we can identify ourselves in that wrapper. It is going to grow to become like the Kente of Ghana in the nearest future. I made a beautiful dress for you. When you wear it, people will say, that is the dress,” the Minister said.
She further expressed profoundly deep appreciation and goodwill to the departing diplomat as she embarks on a new chapter.
“We love you, we appreciate you, we adore you and we are cheering you on all the way to the top. Congratulations and thank you for being a beautiful part of the Nigerian Woman’s story. We wish you all the best. We are celebrating your next step of success. All the best to you. Thank you,” she added.
Dignitaries at the event included the Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi; UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong.
Others were; Director of Development, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Nigeria, Cynthia Rowe; First Lady of Yobe State, Gumsu Abacha Buni; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON; former member of the House of Representatives, Beni Lar; the Nigeria Police Force Gender Adviser to the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Aisha Abubakar; and veteran actor, Joke Silva.
