The Nigerian Government is expanding economic opportunities for women in the country by opening access to value addition and other profitable sectors traditionally dominated by men.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated this in Abuja when she received a delegation of the Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA), led by its National Convener and Director-General, Dr Ngozi Oyewole.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to the development, empowerment and economic advancement of Nigerian women.
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She stressed the need to position women to participate meaningfully in economically viable sectors capable of creating wealth, jobs and sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister also pledged to work closely with BWI-RHA, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I am willing to work with your group. There is a lot of work we need to do because we have to return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 to continue the great work he has begun in empowering Nigerian women,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the administration had created significant opportunities for women, adding that the group was targeting 10 million votes from Nigerian women for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
“We have never had it this good for women in Nigeria as it is now with President Tinubu, and so we are looking to deliver 10 million votes from the women. That can only be achieved if we all work together,” the Minister added.
Earlier, the BWI-RHA National Convener and Director-General, Dr Ngozi Oyewole, represented by the Director of Media and Communications, Ms Evelyn Onyilo, commended the minister for her efforts to advance women’s economic empowerment.
Oyewole said the group was ready to partner with the Ministry on programmes and policies capable of improving the economic wellbeing of women and increasing their contribution to national development and good governance.
“Thank you, Honourable Minister, for choosing to work with our women. You have demonstrated that in your generosity towards our Taraba chapter where you graciously gave a one million naira grant and our Rivers State chapter also where you have promised to give another one million naira grant.
“We are grateful and assure you of our total resolve to work with you in every aspect to attain women’s contribution towards national development and good governance,” she said.
The delegation comprised BWI-RHA national officers and members of the FCT chapter, underscoring the group’s commitment to stronger collaboration with the Ministry.
The visit culminated in the decoration of Sulaiman-Ibrahim as Grand Patron of the association and the presentation of the “Distinguished Woman of National Impact” award in recognition of her contributions to women’s empowerment and national development.
BWI-RHA, launched in June 2026, provides a platform for women to connect, empower one another, influence society positively and contribute meaningfully to national development.
