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.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged all intending pilgrims to complete their payments before the final deadline of December 5, 2025.

This request comes as preparations for the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia are intensifying.

The appeal was made by the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sa’adu Hassan, who also serves as an adviser to the NAHCON Chairman.

He spoke to Voice of Nigeria by phone from Saudi Arabia, where he is currently on an official pre-Hajj visit.

Sa’adu called on all intending pilgrims from Gombe to ensure they settle their payments before the deadline to avoid exclusion from the 2026 pilgrimage.

“We expect every intending pilgrim in Gombe to complete their payment before December 5, 2025.

“Only those who meet this deadline will be included in the list we forward to NAHCON for the 2026 Hajj,” Hassan said.

The Executive Secretary explained that NAHCON will no longer allocate Hajj seats to states as previously done. Instead, each state’s allocation will depend strictly on the payments made before the deadline.

“NAHCON has made it clear that it will not allocate a fixed number of seats to any state. Your payment determines your slot; the more complete payments a state submits, the more slots it gets,” Hassan stressed.

Fewer Slots for Nigeria

He also expressed concern over the reduction in Hajj slots allocated to Nigeria by Saudi authorities.

“Initially, we were given 95,000 slots, which were later reduced to 67,000. But just as we were about to sign the final agreement, the number dropped again to 50,000,” he lamented.

Hassan said the Saudi officials linked the reduction to Nigeria’s inability to fully utilise its earlier allocations.

However, after further discussions, there is hope that the number could be increased again.

“They assured us that if our registered pilgrims exceed 50,000 by the payment deadline, they will consider restoring the earlier 67,000 slots,” he said.

 Preparations

During the pre-Hajj visit, Sa’adu and other NAHCON officials inspected accommodation facilities in Makkah and Madinah to ensure they meet the required standards for Nigerian pilgrims.

“We have inspected hotels and other facilities in Makkah and Madinah.

“Some officials are also in Jeddah finalising contracts with service providers,” Hassan stated.

Strong Warning to Late Payers

He issued a firm warning against the common habit of delaying payments until January or later, stressing that any payment made after December 5, 2025, will not be accepted.

“Anyone who pays after the deadline will automatically miss the 2026 Hajj and will have to wait until 2027.

“This message must reach every intending pilgrim in Gombe and beyond,” Hassan warned.

He emphasised the role of community and religious leaders in spreading the message across towns and villages.

“As leaders, it is our duty to inform the public. Anyone who hears this message on the radio should pass it to others, especially intending pilgrims in their community,” Hassan said.

He also reminded Nigerians that Saudi Arabia’s Hajj schedule is fixed and not subject to change based on any country’s internal situations.

“The Saudi authorities are firm. Whether five or five thousand Nigerians go for Hajj, the schedule remains the same. It is therefore in our best interest to comply with all deadlines and requirements,”  Hassan stressed.