The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that will empower women, families in order to uplift vulnerable groups across Nigeria.
The minister gave the assurance yesterday at the National Assembly Complex during the launch of the Ene Obi Development Centre (EODC).
She further informed that the occasion is a very significant milestone in the national drive for gender equality and social inclusion.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the EODC as “a beacon of light shining brightly in the pursuit of a better future for Nigerian women, girls, families, and the less privileged,” noting that the centre’s emphasis on training, skills acquisition, and support services reflects the transformative power of education and hard work. She said the Federal Government remains committed to policies and programmes that improve the lives of women and vulnerable populations.
The minister also assured stakeholders of continuous collaboration, stating that the Ministry of Women Affairs is open to partnerships that promote women’s empowerment, improve family life, and protect the rights of disadvantaged groups. She expressed confidence that the centre would serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and social justice across communities.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, called on the government to protect civic freedoms, uphold human rights, and expand democratic spaces for public participation. He also urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Reserved Seat Bill, stressing the need for greater political representation for women.
In her address, the former First Lady of Imo State, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha, praised the founder of the centre, Obi, describing her as a passionate advocate and strong believer in the potential of Nigerian women. She said Nigeria possesses enormous potential and can achieve transformative change through the collective efforts of committed women and men dedicated to national progress.
Country Representative of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described Obi as bold, fearless, and compassionate, noting that ActionAid is proud to partner with the EODC. He said the organisation aims to help lift five million Nigerians out of poverty within the next nine years and stressed that strong partnerships with institutions like EODC are critical to achieving that goal.
In her address, the founder of the EODC, Mrs. Obi, said the inauguration marked the beginning of a long-envisioned journey to support women and young people. She noted that the centre would prioritise mentorship, youth leadership, gender equality, and governance reforms, while promoting transparency, accountability, and social justice, and called on government agencies, development partners, academia, and the private sector to collaborate and hold the centre accountable to its mission.