The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, FSI, has been conferred with a special recognition award as “Trailblazer in Women’s Political Representation” by the National Association of Nigerian Women Journalists (NAWOJ). The Vice President, Zone D of NAWOJ, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbecha, alongside her delegation, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister and presented the award at her office in Abuja.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Honourable Minister commended the leadership of NAWOJ for acknowledging her efforts and considering her worthy of the recognition. She called on Nigerian women journalists to amplify the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing his declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Family and Social Development” as a historic milestone for women and families in Nigeria.
According to the Minister, the President’s declaration signals a deliberate commitment to dismantle systemic barriers confronting women and families across the country.
“Just two weeks ago, Mr. President declared this year as the Year of Family and Social Development. It means he is willing to prioritize the women’s agenda and ensure that women key into it completely,” she stated.
She further explained that the declaration has given rise to the “Nigeria of Our Dreams” vision and the Renewed Hope Social Interventions 774 initiative, which she described as transformative opportunities targeting grassroots communities nationwide.
In a press statement signed by Ahmed Lawan Danbazau, MNIPR, Head of Information, Press and Public Relations, the Minister also expressed concern over the poor media coverage of the President’s declaration.
“When Mr. President announced that this is the Year of the Family, none of you wrote to even thank him. For the first time, a President is speaking about family issues at the national level. That is where we begin to build strong families and a stronger nation.”
The Minister emphasized that the event reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with women journalists as strategic partners in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting family values, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls across Nigeria.
NAWOJ Commends Minister’s Leadership
Earlier, the NAWOJ Vice President, Zone D, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbecha, stated that the Zone—comprising North Central states including Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory—was proud of the Minister’s leadership, noting that she hails from Nasarawa State.
She said:
“On behalf of women journalists, we apologize for any development that may have presented the media in a bad light. Every girl-child has the right to life, education, and protection, as the Honourable Minister has consistently emphasized.”
Ogbecha also commended the Minister for her intervention in addressing a sensitive case currently under investigation, noting that her actions helped curb widespread speculation.
“We are glad about the role you have played because you put a stop to a lot of speculation. Going forward, we have agreed to properly investigate the matter”. She expressed confidence in the Minister’s capacity to continue protecting vulnerable women and girls.
Highlighting the significance of the Minister’s leadership, she added:
“Since I started journalism, I have not seen a Minister so warmly welcomed. At a time when women’s representation faced challenges, your emergence marked a positive turning point. For us at NAWOJ, we will support you in every way we can”.
Ogbecha further explained that during NAWOJ’s Independence Celebration in Lafia, the Association resolved to present the award in person rather than by proxy.
“We are here to present you with a special recognition as ‘Trailblazer in Women Political Representation.’ On behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Women Journalists, we congratulate you,” she concluded.