By Aga Samuel Imoter |August 13, 2026
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for increased investment and stronger partnerships to promote gender equity, protect children and improve social protection for vulnerable Nigerians.
The minister made the call on the sidelines of the 26th Regular National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development held at the Banquet Hall of the Taraba State Government House, Jalingo.
The meeting brought together government officials, state delegates and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting women, children, families and vulnerable groups, with emphasis on social protection, economic empowerment, inclusion and sustainable development.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said Nigeria could not achieve sustainable development without deliberate investment in women, children and families, stressing that vulnerable citizens must be protected and given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic and social development.
She said the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, remained committed to policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and economic opportunities of women and children while strengthening social protection for vulnerable groups.
The minister also urged women to adopt a strategic approach to political participation by supporting candidates based on competence, capacity and commitment to issues affecting women, children and families.
“We are looking for value. We are not supporting people just for the sake of supporting them. We want people who understand our agenda and are committed to the development of our nation,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Taraba State Governor, the Head of Service, Dr Ahmed Hamidu Kara, called for stronger collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, development partners, communities and the private sector to address challenges confronting vulnerable citizens.
Kara said the state remained committed to women’s empowerment, skills development, child protection and social inclusion, adding that a major highlight of the meeting was the empowerment of 100 Taraba women with N50,000 each to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

