The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has hailed Kwara State’s formal adoption of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy as a transformative milestone in advancing gender inclusion and national development.
At the launch ceremony in Ilorin, Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim — represented by her Special Assistant (Technical), Princess Dr. Joan Jummai Idonije — commended the Kwara State Government for its leadership in prioritizing women’s empowerment and inclusive governance.
"This domestication of the WEE Policy is more than a policy action; it is a bold declaration of collective will to build a gender-inclusive Kwara and a resilient Nigeria,” the Minister said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim praised the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a catalyst for inclusive progress. She also acknowledged the unwavering advocacy of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose passion for the well-being of women, children, and families continues to shape impactful national interventions.
Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq was recognized as a “true HeForShe champion” and a national pacesetter in gender equity. As Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, his administration has exceeded gender inclusion targets, making Kwara a benchmark for progressive governance.
The Minister also lauded Kwara First Lady, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, for her instrumental role in championing the policy, describing her as a catalyst for broader reform and innovation across the country.
Traditional leaders such as the Emir of Shonga, HRH Dr. Haliru Yahaya, were also commended for their support in advancing women’s participation in governance and economic growth.
The WEE Policy is aligned with Nigeria’s National Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDGs 1, 5, 8, and 10), and the African Union Agenda 2063. It aims to improve women’s access to finance, markets, decent work, land, technology, and leadership opportunities across both the formal and informal sectors.
“With over 104 million women and girls — more than half of Nigeria’s population — we cannot afford to sideline this demographic,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said. “Empowering women is key to reducing poverty, strengthening families, and ensuring national stability.”
The Minister called for greater investment in the training and capacity-building of institutions charged with implementing the WEE Policy, emphasizing the importance of stronger frameworks and budgetary support to ensure real impact.
“To consolidate today’s gains, we must invest in the continuous training of officers and institutions tasked with executing the policy,” she noted. “This will ensure sustainability and position Kwara as a national model.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s low levels of female political representation — 4.3% at the federal level and 5.1% at the state level — the Minister urged Kwara lawmakers to back constitutional reforms, including the Special Seats Bill for Women. She commended Kwara’s inclusion of women in its House of Assembly as a step in the right direction.
“This isn’t about tokenism,” she said. “It’s about correcting a historical imbalance that hinders national progress. When women are absent from policymaking, vital issues like maternal health, education, and gender-sensitive budgeting often go unaddressed.”
She reaffirmed the Federal Ministry’s commitment to supporting all states in implementing the WEE Policy, which she described as a strategic pillar of the national development agenda.
Kwara’s adoption of the WEE Policy is seen as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s gender equality journey, setting a precedent that other states are encouraged to follow.
ADEOLA KUNLE
