By David Odama
Women under the aegis of Women In Politics have hailed the appointment of the new Minister of Women Affairs, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, expressing confidence that she would implement policies that would drive the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The women in a statement signed by Dr Omohe Igberaese and Mrs Bolanle Awobotu, explained that the achievements of the Minister during her stints at NAPTIP, NCFRMI and Ministry of Police Affairs, would be replicated and reinvigorated in the Ministry of Women Affairs.
According to the statement, Sulaiman-Ibrahim would be intentional in fostering women inclusion and ensuring gender friendly policies that would empower Nigerian women politically and economically.
The Statement reads in parts: Just as she has always delivered on all her national assignments, we are confident that she would do more, this time by ensuring that the voices of women and the girl-child are adequately heard
“We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as substantive Minister of Women Affairs. In achieving this, we expect and advise that she designs and implement policies that would promote women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality.
The group thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding her worthy to lead the Ministry of Women Affairs, with a call to Minister Ibrahim Sulaiman promised not to let Nigerians down in the discharge of her duties.
“Through advocacy, we shall collaborate with her to champion women’s causes, raise awareness about gender-based issues and advocate for change. Based on her antecedents, we trust that she would oversee initiatives that support women’s economic, social and political development, by building partnerships with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs and community organizations.”
Other stakeholders have also expressed that they expect the new minister to address violence against women, advocating for stronger laws and enforcement, like combating harmful practices like female genital mutilation among others.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim who is also reputable for her political activism would surely encourage women’s participation in politics, leadership positions and decision-making processes, fostering inclusive governance.