The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has distributed food items to various women groups in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos State as part of the Ministry’s end-of-year intervention to support vulnerable women and families.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention programme, the Minister of Women Affairs said the initiative was to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges faced by women and families.
“Today’s event, the Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention for Vulnerable Women and Families, reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mission to address the pressing needs of vulnerable groups. This initiative marks the beginning of a new era, one where no one is left behind,” she stated.
The Minister added that the intervention would be replicated nationwide as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing the welfare of women and children across the country.
She added that as part of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Vision, “we seek to build a
$1 trillion economy, and women are central to achieving this ambitious goal. By unlocking the full potential of women across various sectors, from agriculture to the creative and digital industries, we can create a transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy and society,” she said.
The minister emphasised, “The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration is committed to expanding its mission of protecting and empowering women, children, their families, and other vulnerable groups.
“We aim to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to safeguarding, protecting and empowering women and children across Nigeria. Women are the backbone of our society and empowering them is essential to fostering strong and resilient communities.”
The Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Dr Asabe Vilita Bashir, and National President, Defence Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, both described the initiative as timely, commending the Ministry of Women Affairs for addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable groups.
In Lagos State, the minister, who was represented by one of her Technical Assistants, Mrs Ola Erinfolami, also reiterated the Minister’s determination to empower women, build resilient families and cater for the needs of vulnerable groups.
The different women groups in Lagos danced and thanked the Minister and the President and the First Lady for the kind gestures, adding that the packages would go a long way in alleviating the plights of their families.
The women and the vulnerable groups expressed gratitude, pledging to ensure judicious distribution of items to the intended beneficiaries.
The FCT flag-off was held on December 23, 2024, which was followed by Lagos on December 24, 2024, in order to support families during the festive season.
Lagos and Nasarawa States, including FCT, have now benefitted from the food palliatives that is billed for all the states of the federation as announced by the Women Affairs Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.