Nigeria’s stability and long-term development depend on deliberate, equity-driven reforms.
The Ministerial Session Keynote Speaker at the 25th Regular National Council Meeting on Women Affairs and Child Development, Dr. Ajoritsedere Josephine Awosika, made the statement while delivering her address in Benin City, Edo State.
Awosika commended the Minister and Management of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for their sustained efforts in shaping gender-focused policies that drive national transformation with equity and sustainability.
She highlighted the Council’s theme, “Strengthening Systems and Deepening Social Impact: Advancing the Renewed Hope Social Agenda for Women, Children, the Family and Vulnerable Groups,” noting that “it reflects Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive, human-centred development.”
“It reflects a shared vision where no woman, child, family, or vulnerable person is left behind in Nigeria’s journey towards prosperity,” Awosika said.
Introducing her concept of “Nation Building – The SHE Impact,” she emphasised that women’s full participation is not just about equality, but equity, a national necessity for progress.
Awosika further called for urgent strengthening of national systems to ensure effective implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Agenda for women, children, families, and vulnerable groups.
“Sustainable progress depends on robust systems — systems that outlive administrations and serve generations,” she said.
Awosika said that women naturally enhance governance, productivity, and sustainability, stressing the importance of accountability, inter-ministerial collaboration, and scalable models that can be replicated nationwide.
She underscored economic empowerment, child protection, social safety nets and legal safeguards as essential pillars of progress, highlighting the imperative to address root causes of vulnerability.
“Every policy and programme must be intentional about reaching those who need it the most,” Awosika noted.
On strengthening systems while listing accountability, coordination, continuity and scalability as critical drivers, Awosika said: “Sustainable progress depends on strong systems — systems that outlive administrations and serve generations”
Calling for leadership inclusion, Awosika observed that countries with higher female participation achieve better governance outcomes and urged for policy reforms, mentorship and public awareness to dismantle cultural and structural barriers that limit women’s leadership.
She also underscored the importance of collaboration. “Government alone cannot shoulder this task. The private sector, development partners, civil society, faith-based organisations, and community leaders must all play their roles.”
Awosika made a strong appeal to measurable commitment, saying; “When we strengthen system and deepen the ‘SHE Impact’ we do more than empower women — we secure the future of families, communities, and the Nation.”
“Empowering women is a strategic imperative a key driver of inclusive governance, innovation, and socio-economic advancement. When women lead, nations prosper. When their potential is unlocked, the future becomes more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous for all,” She added.
Awosika has served at various times as former Federal Permanent Secretary, in the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Science & Technology and Power as well as the National Coordinator/Chief Executive of the National Programme for Immunisation, NPI.