The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed optimism that ongoing reforms by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure a better future for generations of Nigerians.
She made this known at a news conference ahead of the forthcoming National Women Mega Empowerment and Rally, scheduled to hold on 5 May 2026 in Abuja. She noted that women across the country are mobilising for what is expected to be a landmark national event.
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa added that the rally, to be led by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, will bring together millions of Nigerian women in a show of unity and shared purpose.
Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the initiative as a paradigm shift rather than merely a programme, noting that it represents a national awakening anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Minister, the current administration has positioned women, children, families, and vulnerable groups at the centre of national development, emphasising that inclusive growth remains fundamental to sustainable progress.
She stressed that women are not merely beneficiaries of government policies but key drivers of transformation, adding that when women are empowered, the nation multiplies its productivity and prosperity.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim further disclosed that the rally is designed as both a platform and a pipeline for advancing women’s economic empowerment across Nigeria.
She highlighted the implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention 774, a comprehensive framework aimed at reaching women in all 774 local government areas of the federation through grants, microcredit schemes, skills acquisition, agricultural value chain support, clean energy access, and social protection initiatives.
The Minister explained that the programme aligns with Nigeria’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy to ensure sustainability and measurable impact, while also strengthening the family- and child-focused mandates of the Ministry.
She noted that the Nigerian Government has also declared 2026 as the Year of Family Social Development, in recognition of the critical role women play in nurturing and sustaining families.
“From the Renewed Hope Agenda to targeted social investment interventions and the bold declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development, Mr President has demonstrated a clear understanding that sustainable national progress is anchored on the strength of our homes and the empowerment of those who sustain them.”
On expected outcomes, the Minister said the rally will culminate in the presentation of a National Women’s Charter of Demands, which will articulate the priorities and aspirations of Nigerian women and serve as a policy guide for governance.
She stated that the event will also witness the integration of women’s groups across wards nationwide, fostering grassroots participation, social inclusion, and collective action.
“At the very onset of this journey, I received a clear and compelling charge from Her Excellency, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Our mother said, ‘Go and put money in the hands of women.’ That directive continues to guide our interventions.”
The Minister further emphasised that the rally represents a transition from participation to power, positioning women as organised constituents with a strong voice in governance and national development.
The National Women Mega Empowerment and Rally is expected to draw participation from stakeholders across government, civil society, and the private sector, reinforcing efforts to promote gender inclusion and national cohesion.
