Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for stronger diaspora collaboration to advance inclusive development.
Addressing participants at the Intergenerational Conversation With The Diaspora in London, held on the margins of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, the Minister described the forum as a unifying platform.
“This intergenerational dialogue is significant within the global development agenda. “A deliberate intergenerational conversation; a bridge between experience and innovation,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that sustainable development requires inclusive engagement.
“Sustainable development cannot be achieved in silos of age, geography, or experience,” she said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographics over 220 million people, with more than 60 per cent under 25, and a diaspora exceeding 15 million.
“This unique demographic reality makes intergenerational engagement not just important, but strategic.”
She underscored the diaspora’s critical contributions, including over $20 billion in annual remittances, to economic growth and social transformation.
Reaffirming alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister said, “We have aligned fully with this agenda by moving from policy articulation to practical implementation.”
She cited the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774) as a people-centred and results-driven programme reaching all 774 local government areas.
Calling for diaspora partnership, she urged practical contributions: “We therefore invite you to partner with us by investing in women-led enterprises, mentoring and transferring skills and supporting community-based initiatives.”
She also disclosed plans for dedicated engagement channels to promote coordination, transparency, and accountability.”
Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, clarified her role in governance: “I am the legislator, the minister is the one implementing. All I need to do is to ensure that the budgetary allocation to the ministry is okay for her to work,” while urging sustained advocacy.
She stressed civic responsibility, noting, “Nobody can do it for us. Nigeria is our country,” and that there is no magic except anybody who plays their own role.”
The Minister rallied support for the administration’s 9-pillar women agenda, targeting empowerment for 50 million women and girls nationwide.
Toun Okewale Sonaiya speaking described the dialogue as an opportunity for Nigerian diaspora to key into these opportunities, assuring that every pound committed would be accounted for and judiciously used.
Founder of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit, Prince Bimbo Roberts Folayan, called on Nigerians in the UK to support the initiative, while Visit Nigeria ambassador Charmaine Hayden pledged backing, stating her support for the 9-pillar agenda of the Tinubu administration.
Participants committed to action, as the Minister urged that the dialogue move beyond talk into action.