By danivert,President Bola Ahmed
Copyright thesun
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nigeria’s Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has come under pressure from certain groups calling for her removal or redeployment, but supporters say such calls are unjustified, describing her as a beacon of effective leadership and a committed advocate for women and children.
Public commentator and CEO of Cheetah Generation Association, Eche Amos, on Friday in an interview with journalis in Lafia on behalf of her supporters defended the Minister against criticisms, saying:
“Given her exemplary leadership and the tangible results she has achieved, particularly in strengthening and implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calls for her removal are not only unfounded but also unjustifiable and misguided.”
Under her leadership, Eche said the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development has launched several programmes, including the Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project, targeting 4.5 million women nationwide with financial literacy, business training, and cooperative support.
He added that she has also advocated for policies such as the Special Seats Bill for Women to guarantee stronger legislative presence, while strengthening child protection laws through the establishment of a Child Rights Act Review Committee and a National Child Protection Framework.
In addition, the Minister has spearheaded efforts to transition one million households from firewood-based cooking to clean energy solutions and has championed gender-responsive climate action.
“Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, strategic thinking, and decisive action, and the results are evident across the country,” Amos said.
In her home state, Eche noted that the Minister has rolled out interventions that directly impact lives. As Minister of State for Police Affairs, she empowered no fewer than 500 women with grinding and sewing machines to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
“Through the Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention for Vulnerable Women and Families held in November 2024, she distributed rice, pasta, cooking oil, seasonings, and tomato paste to hundreds of women and vulnerable groups across Akwanga, Kokona, and Keffi Local Government Areas.”
She also provided material and financial support to vulnerable women to establish small businesses during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (Rtd).
Supporters argue that criticisms of her performance are driven largely by misinformation, partisan politics, and envy.
“These attempts to undermine her efforts must be rejected,” Amos said. “Rather than yielding to pressure, Nigerians should support her in making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and children.”
He added: “Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is a leader of unflinching resolve. Her excellent leadership style and result-oriented approach have earned her a reputation as one of the most effective ministers in President Tinubu’s cabinet.”
Amos further called on Nigerians to rally behind the minister, stressing that her integrity, work ethic, and passion remain critical to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Hon. Imaan, who hails from Nasarawa State, has been credited with injecting dynamism, compassion, and renewed energy into the ministry since assuming office. She has previously served in several federal capacities, including as the first civilian to head the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Federal Commissioner and CEO of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and the first female Minister of State for Police Affairs, before being elevated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to her current position.
