Some of the dignitaries at the African Youth Conference in Abuja posed for photograph
ABUJA- The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, says its flagship national project is set to impact over 4.5 million Nigerian women by providing access to finance, skills development, and market opportunities.
The Minister, Hajia Imaam-Sulaiman Ibrahim, made this known at the fourth edition of the African Youth Conference (AYC) hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Abuja.
The conference was held under the theme: “We Are Stars: Thriving in a World of Limitless Opportunities.”
Ibrahim was represented at the event by Princess Jumai Idonije, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Women and Community Relations.
She said that the ministry was also actively implementing the National Women Economic Empowerment Policy, “which is a comprehensive strategy designed to integrate women into all aspects of national development.”
According to her, the women-focused initiative is broad in scope and aligns with the ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights, welfare, and advancement of women, children, families, and vulnerable groups across all sectors.
The minister also emphasised the ministry’s strong advocacy for the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to constitutionally guarantee increased representation for women in the National Assembly.
She noted that this was critical given that women make up 49 per cent of Nigeria’s population, yet remained significantly underrepresented in politics.
Ibrahim commended the organisers of the African Youth Conference for their vision and choice of Nigeria — Africa’s heartbeat — as host of the historic event
A member of the House of Representatives, Mr Ayodeji Alao-Akala, called on Nigerian youths to wake up and take an active role in the nation’s development and policymaking processes.
Alao-Akala, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, said that the involvement of youths in policy discourse and national decision-making was not just a right, but a responsibility.
“Nigerian youths must wake up and be actively involved in shaping the policies and direction of our nation. Your voices matter, and the youth conference is a vital platform to be heard,” he said.(NAN)
