The 25th National Council Meeting on Women Affairs has officially commenced in Benin City, Edo State, organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the leadership of Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI.

This year’s Council, themed “Strengthening Systems and Deepening Social Impact: Advancing the Renewed Hope Social Agenda for Women, Children, the Family, and Vulnerable Groups,” is being held in collaboration with the Edo State Government.

The high-level event brings together Commissioners for Women Affairs from the 36 states and the FCT, development partners, civil society organizations, and gender-focused stakeholders for a week-long engagement running from November 9 to 14, 2025.

A Platform for Policy Alignment and Social Transformation

According to a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, the council meeting serves as a strategic platform to harmonize policies, review progress, and strengthen institutional frameworks aimed at uplifting women, children, and vulnerable groups nationwide.

Mr. Eze noted that under the leadership of Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Ministry of Women Affairs has witnessed a remarkable shift toward impact-driven governance and inclusive policy implementation aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“In the history of the Ministry, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim stands tall as an achiever who combines compassion with results-driven leadership,” the statement read.
“Her ability to translate policy into measurable social impact has earned her respect within and outside government circles.”

Driving Inclusion and Social Impact Through Innovation

Since assuming office, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has spearheaded reforms designed to:

• Promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment for women,

• Strengthen family systems and safeguard children’s rights,

• Expand social protection for vulnerable and marginalized groups, and

• Foster collaboration with international development partners and grassroots networks.

Her leadership has been widely recognized for revitalizing the ministry’s role as a key driver of social transformation, both at national and subnational levels.

Distinguished Participants and Key Speakers

Expected guests at the Council include:

• Senator Ireti Kingibe, Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs

• Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs

• Top state government officials, development experts, and international partners.

Keynote addresses will be delivered by Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika, Prof. Uwa Edosomwan (former DG, Centre for Gender Studies, University of Benin), Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, and several other leading scholars and practitioners in gender and social inclusion.

These sessions will explore strategies to advance gender-responsive governance, economic empowerment, and inclusive development policies for Nigerian women and families.

Strengthening the Renewed Hope Agenda

The National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development remains the apex policy-making forum of the Ministry. It continues to provide a unified framework for developing, implementing, and monitoring national policies that enhance the welfare of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

As the Council convenes in Benin City, expectations are high that its resolutions will deepen social impact, improve gender equity, and solidify Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.