Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim Leads Charge for Tinubu’s 9-Pillar Women Agenda, Secures Diaspora Backing in London

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has taken the lead in mobilising global support for the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 9-pillar Women Agenda, securing commitments from Nigerians and partners in the diaspora at a high-level town hall meeting in London.

The engagement, held on the margins of the President’s state visit to the United Kingdom, placed the Minister at the forefront of efforts to drive the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions an ambitious framework aimed at empowering 50 million women and girls across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Addressing participants, the Minister called for strategic collaboration, urging Nigerians abroad and friends of Nigeria to actively partner with the Federal Government in delivering targeted social services and economic opportunities for women and vulnerable groups.

She emphasised that the success of the 9-pillar agenda hinges on collective responsibility, innovation, and sustained engagement across borders.

The town hall featured an interactive session where stakeholders expressed strong interest in supporting the Ministry’s initiatives, pledging expertise, funding, and partnerships to ensure effective implementation.

In her opening remarks, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Chair of Women Radio, highlighted the importance of diaspora participation, noting that the initiative provides a structured platform for skills transfer and investment into Nigeria’s development space. She assured attendees of transparency and accountability in the management of resources committed to the projects.

Also speaking, Kafilat Ogbara, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, reinforced legislative support for gender-focused policies under the current administration.

Founder of the Nigerian Diaspora Direct Investment Summit, Prince Bimbo Roberts Folayan, commended the Minister’s leadership in convening the dialogue, describing it as a timely move to integrate diaspora contributions into national development. He urged Nigerians in the UK to support the Ministry’s agenda to strengthen families and drive inclusive growth.

Similarly, Charmaine Hayden, Ambassador for the Visit Nigeria initiative, praised the administration’s focus on women empowerment and pledged continued support for the 9-pillar framework.

The event drew a cross-section of participants from the business community, public sector, care services, youth organisations, and elderly groups, reflecting widespread interest in the initiative.

Reaffirming her commitment, the Minister pledged sustained engagement with diaspora stakeholders through virtual platforms, ensuring continuous collaboration in advancing the government’s women-focused development agenda.