The Federal Government of Nigeria has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the future of Africa’s children as the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, delivered a compelling keynote address at the Regional Meeting of Pathfinding Countries on Ending Violence Against Children, held on the 7th and 8th of May 2025, at the State House Banquet Hall Aso Rock Villa Abuja.
Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged all participating nations to deepen their collective resolve to combat violence against children in all its forms—physical, sexual, emotional, and structural.
“Africa is rising in innovation and enterprise, but our progress will remain incomplete if we do not protect our most vulnerable—the children,” the Minister declared, calling violence against children “a betrayal of our shared humanity and a threat to national security.”
A Regional Call to Action
Addressing dignitaries, global leaders, and civil society delegates at the State House Banquet Hall Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the Minister highlighted the shared responsibility of “pathfinding nations” under the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children. She emphasized that while progress has been made, pervasive abuse, neglect, trafficking, and harmful traditional practices continue to rob African children of their dignity and future.
She underscored the need for:
Stronger legal and policy frameworks aligned with global conventions;
Integrated child protection services accessible across urban and rural settings;
Preventive strategies, including community sensitization, parenting support, and school-based safety initiatives.
The Nigeria Concept: Leading by Example
Hon. Imaan presented The Nigeria Concept, a strategic framework developed under the Ministry of Women Affairs that aligns with the Nigeria Agenda 2050 and the National Development Plan 2021–2025. This roadmap is designed to:
Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment;
Advance child protection, participation, and development;
Embed inclusive policies that respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.
Further aligning with international obligations—including the SDGs, CEDAW, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child—the plan integrates child protection into humanitarian responses, particularly in conflict-affected zones, with a focus on trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, and access to education.
A key highlight was the over 1000% budgetary enhancement approved by Mr. President, which has enabled structural reforms, public-private partnerships, and the establishment of the Child Protection Knowledge and Data Center—a landmark facility to track, analyze, and respond to cases of violence against children.
“This reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment made at the First Ministerial Convening on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, and gives practical expression to the Renewed Hope Agenda for children,” she noted.
Continental Unity for Collective Impact
Concluding her keynote, the Minister emphasized that no country can end violence against children in isolation. She called for:
Regional policy harmonization
Cross-border child protection frameworks
Joint funding strategies
Shared data and best practices
“Let us speak with one voice at the African Union. Let us place children at the heart of our development agenda,” she urged.
The event was launched by the Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima who represented the President.
This regional meeting marks a critical step toward galvanizing African unity around child protection and elevating the voices and rights of children across the country.
ADEOLA KUNLE
