By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

The Minister of Women Affairs, H.E. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called on all state Commissioners for Women Affairs across Nigeria to strengthen their ministries into proactive, unified and solution-driven institutions that play central roles in the nation’s social development architecture.

She made the call during the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Coordination Mechanism and Institutional Strengthening meeting, held at the National Women Development Centre in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The meeting, co-convened by UN Women, was aimed at presenting evidence-based research and advocacy toolkits for the zonal coordination of gender programmes, as well as providing updates on the Special Bill Act and its legislative processes.

The Minister underscored the need for robust institutional frameworks, teamwork and shared vision, describing these as essential catalysts for both economic advancement and national security.

She urged Commissioners to embrace active collaboration and effective leadership in their efforts to advance gender equality and improve the welfare of Nigerian women.

In a special acknowledgement, Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for appointing Dr Osamaye as the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs.

She charged the new Commissioner to justify the trust placed in her by driving the Governor’s vision for a more inclusive and development-focused Ondo State.

The Minister noted that the success of this vision depends on translating policy into real improvements in the lives of women, especially through enhanced welfare and care services.

The event attracted stakeholders from across government, civil society, media, and academia who deliberated on the progress of GEWE Zonal Coordination Mechanisms nationwide.

A major highlight was the official presentation of strategic working tools to all 37 State Commissioners for Women Affairs, designed to support the effective reporting and coordination of gender-related initiatives.

Commenting on the implications for Ondo State, representatives noted that the tools would significantly boost the implementation of the Governor’s “Ease Agenda,” particularly in improving digital access to resources for women and scaling up empowerment programmes across the state.