Gender
Imaan Sulaiman‑Ibrahim tells UN Nigeria expanding women empowerment programmes, digital support for 20 million women
Nigeria says it is scaling up policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of women and girls, including digital platforms expected to reach more than 20 million women.
The announcement was made by Imaan Sulaiman‑Ibrahim during a statement delivered at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
She said the country was accelerating the implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 programme, describing it as one of the largest locally driven investments for women in Nigeria’s history.
“We are now accelerating the delivery of our flagship programme, the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774,” she said.
“It is a collection of interventions that represents the largest locally driven investment for women’s empowerment in Nigeria’s history, cutting across livelihood support, clean energy, finance, digital inclusion, and social protection.”
Why it matters
Gender equality remains a major development challenge in Nigeria.
Although women play significant roles in the economy, their political representation remains low and access to financial resources and technology is still uneven.
The minister said Nigeria was using technology to close that gap through the Happy Woman App, a mobile platform designed to provide women with access to information, mentorship and economic opportunities.
“Through our women digital harmony initiative, we are leveraging technology and innovation,” she said.
“One component is the Happy Woman App, a mobile platform that serves as a one-stop shop that aggregates interventions and support for women.”
“This initiative will enable access that connects over 20 million women to information, mentorship, and economic opportunities while strengthening networks of support and inclusion.
Government policies and legal reforms
The Nigerian government says its efforts are backed by stronger legal frameworks and policy reforms.
According to the minister, laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act remain key tools for protecting women and children.
She also pointed to new policies aimed at increasing women’s participation in public procurement and economic decision-making.
“With the recently approved affirmative procurement system, Nigeria has adopted an advanced procurement approach aimed at expanding access for women-owned and women-led businesses to public contracts,” she said.
“This unlocks significant market opportunities within Nigeria’s public procurement system.”
Tackling gender-based violence
The minister also highlighted efforts to address gender-based violence, including new digital monitoring systems designed to improve coordination between agencies.
“Nigeria continues to deepen institutional responses to gender-based violence through a holistic safeguard mechanism,” she said.
This includes a national electronic dashboard intended to improve real-time monitoring, coordination and accountability across the country.
Women in politics and leadership
Despite progress in some sectors, women remain under-represented in Nigeria’s political system.
The minister acknowledged that women hold fewer than 10% of seats in parliament.
However, she said proposed legislation such as the Reserved Special Seats Bill could help improve women’s participation in governance.
“We have witnessed a significant emergence of women in appointive leadership positions across the public and private sectors, particularly in the financial sector,” she added.
Expert and public perspective
Gender equality advocates say Nigeria’s policies are important but implementation will determine their success.
According to analysts in Gender Studies, digital inclusion programmes can significantly improve women’s access to economic opportunities, especially in rural communities.
However, they warn that long-term progress will depend on sustained funding, legal enforcement and cultural change.
Global partnerships
Nigeria also called for stronger collaboration with international partners to accelerate gender equality.
The country said it was working with global organisations to implement programmes such as the Nigeria for Women Programme, supported by the World Bank, which targets more than 4.5 million women.
The initiative focuses on income generation and community-based support groups aimed at reducing social barriers to women’s economic participation.
“Excellencies, Nigeria remains committed to working with the international community to accelerate progress on gender equality and women empowerment,” the minister said.
What’s next
Nigeria says it will continue to expand social protection programmes, strengthen gender-responsive budgeting and promote policies that recognise unpaid care work.
The government also plans to increase childcare and social support services to help women participate more fully in the economy.
Gender
Veteran Consumer Rights Advocate Sola Salako-Ajulo Named NAWOJ Lagos “Iconic Woman of the Month”
Sola Salako-Ajulo, widely known as “Consumer Mama,” has been named the Iconic Woman of the Month for March 2026 by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter.
The recognition honours her more than two decades of advocacy for consumer rights in Nigeria, highlighting her role in shaping policies, raising awareness, and empowering citizens to understand and enforce their rights.
Championing Consumer Rights for Over 20 Years
Mrs. Salako-Ajulo began her journey in 2003 with the influential column Handwriting on the Wall, which quickly became a trusted voice for Nigerian consumers. Over the years, her work has evolved from journalism into large-scale activism.
She founded the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), where she spearheaded landmark campaigns including the #NoBankingDay Protest in 2016, which challenged excessive bank charges and reshaped consumer protections in the Nigerian financial sector.
She is also the author of Protect Yourself: Your Naija Guide To Consumer Right And Protection, a handbook designed to make complex regulations accessible to everyday Nigerians.
Recently, she launched the CAFON Consumers Companion (3C), an AI-powered platform providing Nigerians with 24/7 digital guidance on their consumer rights.
“Sola Salako-Ajulo is a force for justice in the marketplace,” said Jumoke Johnson, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos.
“Where consumers face exploitation, she provides the education and tools for redress. Her life’s work proves the power of a single, determined voice to create national change.”
Recognition and Industry Praise
Her peers have consistently acknowledged her contributions:
Marketing Journalist of the Year, Nigeria Marketing Awards (2023–2025)
Brand Journalist of the Year, ADVAN African Awards (2025)
The NAWOJ Lagos Chairperson emphasised that Mrs. Salako-Ajulo’s work exemplifies the transformative impact of women in media and civil society.
Why It Matters
Consumer rights in Nigeria remain a critical area for economic fairness. Advocacy initiatives like those led by Mrs. Salako-Ajulo help protect citizens from exploitation while promoting transparency in business and finance. Her work also demonstrates how journalism can evolve into activism with measurable societal impact.
What’s Next
NAWOJ Lagos plans to continue celebrating women leaders who drive social change. Mrs. Salako-Ajulo’s recognition is part of a broader effort to inspire future generations of female advocates across Nigeria.
Pernod Ricard Nigeria has highlighted its ongoing commitment to gender equity and inclusion by hosting its Women’s Network forum, titled “Women Who Raise the Bar.” The event celebrated women as leaders, innovators, and cultural influencers across business, creativity, and community.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director Michael Ehindero said the initiative was inspired by this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.” He emphasized that empowering women to lead and create strengthens both organisations and communities.
“When women are empowered to lead, create, and influence, organisations and communities are stronger for it,” Ehindero said.
Spotlight on Women Shaping Culture
The forum featured a panel of leaders across multiple industries, including Susan Anisa Younis, Ibukun Abidoye, Abuchi Peter Ugwu, and Tola Akerele. They shared insights on how women influence culture, from building value-driven businesses to owning narratives and shaping African stories for global audiences.
Dr. Joshua Ademuwagun, Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s Human Resources Director and keynote speaker, highlighted the importance of creating environments where women can thrive. He applauded women across the organisation for their resilience and achievements.
“It is critical to provide platforms where women can excel and lead. Their contributions fuel innovation, growth, and cultural impact,” Ademuwagun said.
Personal Reflections from Women Leaders
Nnenna Duru, Corporate Affairs Manager, described the programme as transformative.
“‘Women Who Raise the Bar’ challenged me to think intentionally about supporting other women and celebrating our achievements. It was a powerful reminder that our impact matters,” she said.
The forum reinforced Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s positioning as a people-first organisation committed to inclusive leadership and meaningful conversations at the intersection of culture and business.
Why It Matters
Promoting women in leadership is increasingly seen as key to economic growth and social development. Studies suggest organisations with gender-diverse leadership are more innovative, resilient, and effective. Pernod Ricard Nigeria’s initiative aligns with global trends prioritising equity and mentorship as drivers of sustainable growth.
What’s Next
Pernod Ricard Nigeria plans to continue the Women’s Network as a platform for mentorship, dialogue, and leadership development. The company’s efforts reflect its broader strategy of fostering inclusion and empowering employees across all levels.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has hosted a surprise appreciation event for female officers to mark International Women’s Day 2026.
The event, held on 27 March at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, celebrated women’s contributions to the Service, with officers and members of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association receiving roses in recognition of their service.
Why it matters
The gesture highlights growing calls for gender inclusion and recognition in Nigeria’s paramilitary institutions.
Women in uniformed services often face structural and cultural barriers, making public recognition a significant step towards institutional change.
“Recognition should not wait” — Adeniyi
Speaking at the event, Adeniyi said the initiative was intentionally designed to move beyond routine ceremonies and spotlight women whose work often goes unnoticed.
“I know you did not come here expecting this. That is exactly the point. Too often, recognition comes only when it is convenient or when it fits neatly into a calendar. Today, we chose to do something different.”
He acknowledged the traditions of a paramilitary structure but stressed the importance of celebrating women’s roles within it.
“This is a paramilitary organisation, and we are guided by tradition and protocol. But today, we are united by a common purpose, which is to celebrate the women of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
Women ‘central to operations’
Adeniyi described female officers as critical to the agency’s effectiveness across the country.
“You are central to what we do. I want to appreciate all of you serving in different capacities across the country for your resilience and commitment to duty.”
He added that the initiative aims to reinforce a culture that values dedication and performance regardless of gender.
Support from families and communities
In her remarks, Kikelomo Adeniyi, President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association, said the event recognised both direct and indirect contributions of women to the Service.
“This is indeed a special occasion for us to recognise the resilience, dedication and hard work of women who continue to support the Service both directly and indirectly.”
She praised the Customs leadership for promoting inclusion and opportunities for women.
“Our women are not just supporting actors; they are active contributors to the progress we are recording as a Service.”
Industry and public perspective
Gender advocates say such initiatives are essential in reshaping workplace culture in Nigeria’s security and paramilitary sectors.
Experts note that sustained policies — beyond symbolic events — are key to improving representation, career advancement, and welfare for women in uniform.
What’s next
The Nigeria Customs Service says it will continue to prioritise inclusivity as part of its broader reform agenda, including welfare and empowerment programmes for officers and their families.
Observers say the impact of such initiatives will depend on how they translate into long-term institutional policies.
-
Business6 days agoUnion Bank crisis: Alleged Mismanagement by Former Directors led to ₦400bn Losses, Regulators Say
-
Security6 days agoEaster Security: NSCDC Deploys 4,000 Personnel Across Abuja to Safeguard Residents
-
Politics7 days agoAiyedatiwa Leads Mass Fitness Walk in Akure, Signals Possible Return of Former Aides
-
religion4 days agoEaster: NIMASA DG Urges Nigerians to Embrace Sacrifice, Hope and National Unity
-
Entertainment5 days agoMAGGI Unveils Qing Madi as Campaign Face to Connect with Gen Z Nigerians
-
Business5 days agoTinubu Commissions Gateway International Airport in Ogun, Hailed as Boost for Investment
-
Security6 days agoLagos Police Launch Massive Easter Security Deployment Across State
-
Technology6 days agoGTCO Launches Take on Squad Hackathon 3.0 to Boost Africa’s Digital Innovation
