Some of the dignitaries at the African Youth Conference in Abuja posed for photograph
By Aderogba George
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
“The theme of this year’s conference, “We are stars: Thriving in a world of limitless opportunities,” resonates deeply. It is a bold affirmation of your power, your promise, and your place.
“As Minister of women affairs, since assuming office in October 2024, I have witnessed firsthand how unstoppable young people can be.
“I have seen girls developing apps to solve real-world problems, boys championing climate justice, and student entrepreneurs running export-ready businesses.
“You are not waiting for permission, and that is how it should be. Your courage and creativity inspire a new vision for Africa.
“Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with over 60 per cent of our population under the age of 25. This is not just a demographic statistic; it is a strategic advantage.
“However, we must also confront the hard truths: youth unemployment is rising; too many young women face gender-based exclusion; and access to credit, education, and decision-making spaces remain uneven.
“We need your voice, your influence, your digital reach. Your support can tip the scale toward gender justice and participatory governance,” the minister said.
The minister said that the Federal Government was already building the foundation for youth inclusion through bold initiatives such as the Not Too Young to Run Act, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, and the NELFUND student loan scheme
She said that the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and CreditCorp were opening up access to finance young entrepreneurs, and injecting innovation into the economy.
The minister said that the ministry was currently reviewing Nigeria’s existing children-related laws and policies to align with global best practices and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“This is critical, as over 44 per cent of girls in Nigeria are married before their 18th birthday, a statistic that must provoke urgent and coordinated action.”
According to her, the ministry is working with child right advocates to push for accountability, gazetted domestication of laws, and budgetary backing to protect all children; boys and girls alike.
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,”
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