Gender
Women Affairs Minister urges ‘She-for-She’ solidarity at UN Goals Lounge on women’s leadership
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, has called for stronger solidarity among women in leadership, urging them to support one another rather than compete for limited positions.
Speaking at the UN Goals Lounge during a discussion themed “Staying on the Table: Women Leading Through Change,” the minister said women must build a stronger collective movement to expand opportunities in leadership.
The conversation featured global voices including Filipino journalist Karen Davila, alongside other advocates for gender equality.
The minister said women’s progress in leadership depends not only on policy changes but also on how women support each other.
“Because when you look at the Cabinet, I’m one of the youngest members of the Cabinet,” she said.
“What I tell people is that aside your age, when there are women in the room, if there’s ten men and just two women, what do you see, a hundred women? So sometimes it makes us very competitive.”
She urged women to replace rivalry with collaboration.
“And that’s why I would like to approach the women in the room, the women’s agency. You know, now more than ever we need a rise of a she for she’s.”
Why it matters
Women remain underrepresented in political leadership across many countries, despite decades of global advocacy.
According to United Nations data, women hold only a fraction of parliamentary and executive positions worldwide.
The minister said strengthening women’s networks could help close that gap faster.
“We must. We need to strengthen the women’s agency, we need to rejuvenate the women’s movement,” she said.
She also argued that internal divisions among women can sometimes slow progress.
“Because the jealousy thing I think is one of the major triggers for women, that’s why we’re not getting there.”
‘Just be yourself’
The minister also challenged societal expectations placed on women in leadership, saying authenticity matters more than appearance.
“When we know that the space is enough for everyone, we don’t have to be one or three or four in the room,” she said.
“And that age doesn’t matter, you don’t need a BBL, you don’t need a Brazilian hair, it just has to be you, it just has to be you.”
She said confidence and clarity about personal values often define successful female leaders.
“Women who actually rise to the pinnacle of where we are are women that know what they do not want. They know what they want, but they actually know what they do not want.”
Role models in global leadership
The minister pointed to examples of women who have reached the highest levels of global influence while staying true to their identity.
She cited Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, as a role model.
“Any day, any time I look at the days when I grow up, I look at the women like Ngozi Okonjo Iwela, you see them in their Ragalia, they don’t think they’ve got to wear a suit, a piece of suit to be successful.
What’s next
The minister said global collaboration among women leaders could accelerate gender equality over the next decade.
“Let’s just do us, and be the she for she. Trust me, ten years down the line, we will celebrate the women’s agenda globally.”
Experts say conversations like the UN Goals Lounge help shape policy discussions ahead of major international gender equality initiatives.
The Boy-Child Transformation Centre (BTC) has announced plans to host its fifth anniversary summit in Lagos, focusing on what it describes as a growing crisis affecting boys and young men.
The event, scheduled for 16 May 2026 in Ikoyi, will bring together business leaders, policymakers, educators, parents, and mental health advocates to discuss challenges facing the boy-child in Nigeria.
Organisers say the summit aims to shift attention towards what they call the “systemic decline” of boys and its wider implications for families, communities, and leadership.
Why it matters
Concerns about youth development in Nigeria have often focused on girls’ education and empowerment, leaving some advocates arguing that boys are increasingly overlooked.
BTC says this gap has contributed to issues such as poor emotional development, risky behaviour, and limited access to mentorship for boys.
At the centre of the summit is the launch of UNBOXED: Shaping the Boy-Child for True Manhood, a new book by BTC founder Nkiruka Moghalu-Joel.
‘A silent crisis’ — Founder speaks
Nkiruka Moghalu-Joel, who is also the Managing Director of Avenu Growth Consulting Group, says society has long assumed boys will navigate challenges without structured support.
“For too long, the world has operated on a dangerous default: assuming the boy-child will simply figure it out on his own. He is not figuring it out; he is quietly collapsing in plain sight,” she said.
She argues that limiting emotional expression in boys can have long-term consequences.
“When we deny our boys emotional literacy, we are not just failing our sons, we are destabilizing our homes, fracturing our communities, and eroding our future leadership.”
The book introduces what she calls the “MACHO Box” — a set of social expectations that discourage vulnerability and emotional intelligence.
“UNBOXED is our playbook for intervention. We are actively dismantling these toxic labels to engineer a generation of boys equipped with cognitive empathy, ethical grit, and the freedom to be fully human.”
What to expect at the summit
The summit will feature the official unveiling of UNBOXED, alongside discussions linking behavioural psychology, parenting, and leadership development.
Another highlight is the final stage of the Walk-in-My-Shoes (WIMS) challenge, where young participants will present ideas aimed at addressing social pressures affecting boys.
The competition carries a ₦1,000,000 prize, with organisers describing it as a platform for “peer-led solutions”.
Broader perspectives
Experts in child development have increasingly emphasised the need for balanced gender-focused interventions.
While initiatives supporting girls remain critical, some argue that neglecting boys’ emotional and social development could create long-term societal challenges.
In Nigeria, issues such as youth unemployment, crime, and mental health concerns have been linked to broader gaps in youth support systems.
What’s next
BTC says the summit is intended to spark long-term policy conversations and practical interventions around boy-child development.
Organisers also hope the UNBOXED framework will be adopted by schools, parents, and institutions as a guide for raising emotionally resilient boys.
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.
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