The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has organised the Renewed Hope Family First Project Picnic under the leadership of the Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to commemorate the International Day of Families and the International Day of the Boy Child.
The traditionally Nigerian-themed gathering, held in Abuja, brought together ministry staff, children and families for games, music, dance, competitions and Nigerian cuisines in a relaxed atmosphere that celebrated family unity and shared values.
Describing the event as “a first of its kind celebration in the history of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development”, the minister said:
“It is with great joy and a full heart that I welcome you, our dear staff and their beloved families, to a first-of-its-kind celebration in the history of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. On the occasion of the International Day of the Boy Child, we set aside our files, our meetings, and our official schedules, and we come together simply as families. Because that is what we are.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that “The work of this Ministry is the work of family, and so it is only right, therefore, that we celebrate together as one.”
Speaking on the significance of the International Day of the Boy Child, the Minister said the occasion provided an opportunity to focus attention on boys and the values with which they are raised.
“The International Day of the Boy Child presents us the opportunity to turn our gaze to our boys. To the sons, brothers, nephews, and grandsons in this ministry family. To the young men they are becoming, because gender equality is not complete without boys who are raised to respect women. Boys who are taught that strength is not domination but character.”
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She stressed the importance of raising both boys and girls with equal care and commitment.
“We love our boy children; we love our girl children. The boy child and the girl child are in partnership, and it is our responsibility as a Ministry, as parents, as a society to raise both with equal intention, equal love, and equal investment,” she noted.
The Minister also commended members of staff and their families for their dedication and sacrifices in service to the nation.
“To every member of staff who has given their energy, their commitment, and often their personal time to the work of this Ministry this day is for you. And it is for the families who have supported you, waited for you at the dinner table, and cheered you on from home,” she said.
Addressing the children present, she declared, “To every boy child here today, you are valued. You are seen. You matter not because of what you will one day achieve, but because of who you already are.”
Describing the picnic as a gesture of appreciation, the Minister thanked families for their support and sacrifices.
“This picnic is our way of saying, ‘We see you. We value you, and the work you do for Nigeria begins at home, and it is worthy of celebration,” she said.
Dignitaries present at the picnic included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Nko Asanye Esuabana; Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi; Chairman of the Board of the Centre, Princess Jummai Idonije; board members; directors of the Ministry; Aides and their families.
The 2026 observance of the International Day of Families, themed “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing”, highlights the widening inequalities continue to shape family life and influence children’s futures.
The theme calls for stronger investment in integrated, family-oriented policies aimed at reducing disparities and supporting healthy child development.
Meanwhile, the global theme for the International Day of the Boy Child 2026 is “Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities”. The theme focuses on creating safe spaces, emotional support and proper mentorship to help boys grow into healthy, responsible and purpose-driven men.
Earlier this year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared 2026 as the “Year of Social Development and Families in Nigeria” and directed coordinated action across all levels of government to strengthen family cohesion and social welfare systems.
The Presidential declaration underscores the centrality of strong families to national development, social stability and economic progress.
The commemorative picnic aligns with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to promoting family-centred policies and improving the wellbeing of women, children and vulnerable groups across the country.
