President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR commissions headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Thursday 16 January 2020.

President Buhari in his speech applauded the honourable minister of Women Affairs, her predecessors, staff and other agencies working towards the progress of women. He gave assurances of his support in delivering the mandate of Nigerian Women. The President said the launch of the national strategy to end child marriage, 2016-2021 is critical in encouraging girl education because the development of social inclusion and economic substance is important to his administration for economic growth. He promised that his government will ensure women, children and other vulnerable persons are priority.

The host honourable minister Dame Pauline Tallen in her welcome speech said “as we take stock, assess the current challenges affecting the achievement of gender equality, the empowerment of women and contributions towards the full realization of International Treaties and Protocols to which Nigeria is a signatory, this beautiful edifice stands as a clear testimony of this administration’s commitment to advance the Nigerian Gender Agenda in line with promoting the cause of Nigerian Children and other vulnerable groups, as they affect and impact the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs”. She further mentioned that the Ministry will focus on educating women who are out of school due to early marriage and promises that this year is for the Nigerian Women.

Tallen thanked her predecessors for all their input towards the complex, the President for completing the project for women to enjoy and her ministers colleagues for their supportive presence.

In attendance were Nigeria’s first lady Dr. Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari represented by Dr. Hajo, secretary to the Federal Government Boss Mustapha, Senators, Chairperson house committee on Women Affairs Bunmi Adenuga, Ministers of the FGN, representative of UNICEF Peter Hawkins, women groups and other stakeholders.

Esesua Adeniyi reports for Women Radio 91.7 in Abuja.

Photos by Bayo Omoboriowo