The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, says Nigerian women have become central to governance and national development under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the government’s investment in women as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.
Addressing thousands of women at the 2026 International Women’s Day Mega Rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Minister, while acknowledging national and State leaders, celebrated the contributions of women.
“Today, as we celebrate the 2026 International Day of Women, we celebrate you particularly, all the women in Nigeria. I recognise the great, great Akwa Ibom women,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had transformed governance by prioritising women, children and families within the national development framework.
“No government in the history of Nigeria has ever invested in women like this government. The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, none,” she stated, adding that he has brought the human face of governance. “Women are no more an afterthought. He has put women, children, and families at the centre of the national development agenda of this administration.”
The Minister also said Nigerian women were satisfied with the administration’s policies and programmes.
“And that’s why I can say for free, the Nigerian women are happy. When I had the chance to brief His Excellency, that was all I told him,” she said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed confidence in the collective voice of Nigerian women.
“The Nigerian women are happy that come 2027, we’re going to speak with one voice. We’re going to come out in mass. The women have always been with Mr President,” she said.
Highlighting ongoing economic empowerment initiatives, the minister referenced the Nigerian for Women Scale Up Programme, noting that Akwa Ibom State was among the pilot states.
“At the scale-up programme of the Nigerian for Women, which is a $540 million investment, in collaboration with the World Bank, the Federal Government, and the State Government, Akwa Ibom State is targeted to reach millions of women. The whole programme wants to touch about five million women,” she declared
According to Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the initiative will strengthen women’s economic activities through access to finance and markets.
“We’re going to be able to access finance to grow our business. We’re going to get market linkages so that we can sell our goods. Mr. President is with you,” the minister added.
A major highlight of the rally was the proclamation, affirmation and endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for a second term of office from 2027 to 2031.
The proclamation was signed by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno-Obaraki, on behalf of the women of the state.
Eyakenyi said the gathering provided an opportunity for women to collectively express their voices.
“International Women’s Day, not a campaign day, but presents the best moment for the voice of the women of Akwa Ibom State to be heard,” she said.
Presenting the proclamation to the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, “Our Mother, today is the best day for you to receive this award on behalf of the Father of the Nation, the President,” the minister said.
In her remarks, the First Lady emphasised the importance of women’s empowerment and family stability to national development.
“Protecting the rights of our women and girls by ensuring access to education, economic empowerment, health, social protection and equity is an investment in our collective future,” she said.
She urged women to remain agents of change in their homes and communities, noting that when women lead with purpose, the entire nation feels the impact.
Also speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to strengthening women’s representation in governance.
“The bill that we are considering to give space to more women in Parliament is still on and my prayer is that the 10th National Assembly will succeed in bringing more women to the Parliament,” he said.
The rally underscored the growing visibility, participation and collective voice of women in governance, economic empowerment and public decision-making, reinforcing their expanding agency in shaping Nigeria’s development agenda.