Minister wants collective action to empower young women
By Ibironke Ariyo
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Thursday called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to empower young women and advance national development.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim made the call in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a three-day royal ambassadors gathering week 2025 with the theme, “Building Global Partnership for sustainable impacts, Innovations and development.”
The minister, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry , Dr Mrs Ola Erinfolami, emphasised that empowering young women remained critical to the nation’s growth and progress.
She acknowledged the ministry’s achievements in promoting gender equality, development and peace, noting that more work must be done to close existing gaps.
“Young women continue to face challenges in education, economic opportunities, healthcare and leadership.
“It is our responsibility to address these disparities and create an enabling environment for women to thrive,” she said.
The minister, however, outlined four key areas of focus in the ministry’s agenda to include access to quality education and skills training, supporting entrepreneurship and job creation.
This, she also said, includes ensuring healthcare access, promoting well-being and encouraging women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting policies and programmes that empowered young women, adding that collaboration with stakeholders remained vital.
“I urge all stakeholders to join us in this effort. Let’s work together to empower more young women and create a brighter future for our nation,” she added.
In his opening remarks, the Founder and Director-General of the Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation (RAFEF), Jonathan Okwudiri, called for stronger global partnerships to drive sustainable development and innovation in Nigeria.
Okwudiri, who doubled as the convener of the event stressed that unity, collaboration and collective action were crucial in achieving national progress.
He said that in a world where challenges like poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and social inequality threatened the collective future, the need for action had never been greater.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the RAFEF, Green Revolution Farmers Feed the Nation Foundation (GRFFNF), and Young Women Rise Empowerment Initiative (YWREI) are the three NGOs working to reshape the society.
These are done through strategic empowerment, economic development and social transformation.
The groups are also dedicated to poverty eradication (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and zero hunger (SDG 2).
Okwudiri, who oversees a network of over one million women and youths across the 36 states and the FCT, said that the NGO was a formidable force dedicated to nation-building through empowerment, agriculture, and youth development.
He announced the launch of major initiatives under the GRFFNF, including Operation Feed the Nation, inaugurated in December 2024, and the Green Rewards Smart Farm Settlement (GRSFS), aimed at providing employment opportunities for one million Nigerians.
He said that the group’s Agricultural Farming Project Fund and Empowerment Scheme would provide financial grants to farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
“This gathering is a testament to the power of collaboration. As Royal Ambassadors, we are determined to work with visionary partners to create lasting impacts,” he said.
Okwudiri also highlighted the achievements of the RAFEF in training over 1,000 women and youths in entrepreneurial skills, seeking partnerships and support to enable the trainees to start their businesses.
He reiterated the organisation’s readiness to align with President Bola Tinubu’s administration policy, particularly the Renewed Hope Agenda, which focused on promoting agricultural development, food security, and job creation.
“As nation-builders, we support any leader who prioritises the empowerment of women and youth. Together, we can shape the future of our country,” Okwudiri said.
Okwudiri commended the Board of Trustees, management teams, and the media for their contributions to the growth of the organisations and urged participants to use the gathering to connect, learn, and collaborate.
“We are not just here to celebrate; we are here to build. Let us rise to the challenge and create the future we envision,” he said.
The event also features the inauguration of the National and State Executive Officers of the Young Women Rise Empowerment and Support Initiative (YWRESI) and the crowning of Miss Global Royalty Africa 2025.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Yakubu Uba
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