Why Protests Against Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim Was Baseless

By Suleiman Yusuf, Keffi

The appointment of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as Minister of Women Affairs stands as a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Her leadership embodies the very essence of this visionary blueprint, translating its principles of economic growth, social empowerment, and institutional reform into tangible actions that directly impact the lives of millions.

Despite facing recent and unfounded criticisms, her record of visionary leadership speaks for itself, showcasing a resilience and dedication that perfectly aligns with the President’s mission for national development.

Her journey through key governmental roles—from leading the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to making history as Nigeria’s first female Minister of Police Affairs—demonstrates a consistent pattern of excellence and a capacity to deliver on complex mandates, proving President Tinubu’s wisdom in selecting a leader of such caliber.

President Tinubu’s vision for educational advancement and youth empowerment finds a passionate advocate in Sulaiman-Ibrahim. She has been instrumental in championing critical initiatives like the Alternate School Programme, an innovative approach designed to drastically reduce the number of out-of-school children, a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s human capital development goals.

Her efforts extend beyond mere access to education, focusing on equipping girls and young women with digital literacy skills necessary to thrive in the modern economy.

This forward-thinking approach ensures that the agenda’s promise of preparing Nigerian youth for global competitiveness is being met with concrete action, bridging the gender digital divide and creating a more inclusive future.

The protection of the most vulnerable is a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and here too, the Minister’s impact is profound. Drawing from her extensive experience as the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), where she improved the lives of over two million persons, she has brought a renewed focus to safeguarding women and children.

Her facilitation of the passage of the NCFRMI Act after a 14-year legislative stalemate is a monumental achievement that exemplifies the administration’s commitment to breaking bureaucratic barriers.

In her current role, she has tirelessly worked to protect women and children from violence and discrimination, implementing programs that address critical issues like child marriage and advocating for the respect of minors’ rights, thus actualizing the agenda’s core principle of social justice for all Nigerians.

President Tinubu’s strategic decision to place her at the helm of the Ministry of Police Affairs made history and yielded unprecedented results. As the first woman to hold that position, she initiated a revolutionary reform roadmap aimed at creating a world-class, community-based, and technologically driven police force.

Her advocacy for women’s safety and gender policy integration was so compelling that it led to an astounding over 1,000 percent increase in revenue allocation for key initiatives, a clear sign of the administration’s full support for her vision.

This achievement directly advances the Renewed Hope Agenda’s foundational emphasis on security as a prerequisite for development. Her efforts were recognized internationally when she received an iconic symbol of peace from the German Ambassador for her work in promoting peace and human rights, bringing global acclaim to President Tinubu’s Nigeria.

The Minister’s work in legislative and policy advancement has created durable frameworks for progress. Beyond the NCFRMI Act, she has driven the review of national policies on migration and child rights, ensuring they align with both international standards and the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She understands that laws must be properly implemented to be effective, championing the domestication and full implementation of the Child Rights Act across all states.

This systematic approach to building robust institutional frameworks ensures that the protection and empowerment of vulnerable citizens are not temporary projects but permanent features of Nigerian governance, securing the future that President Tinubu envisions.

Economic empowerment is the engine of the Renewed Hope Agenda, and Sulaiman-Ibrahim has launched powerful initiatives to drive it for women. The Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project, which aims to reach 4.5 million women with financial literacy and business support, is a direct translation of the agenda’s promises into reality.

She complements these large-scale programs with targeted grassroots interventions, such as distributing grinding and sewing machines to hundreds of women in Nasarawa State and providing essential food items to vulnerable families through the Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention.

These actions demonstrate a holistic understanding of empowerment, addressing both immediate needs and long-term economic independence, and reflecting the administration’s commitment to development that reaches every Nigerian.

On the global stage, the Minister has been a brilliant ambassador for President Tinubu’s foreign policy vision, elevating Nigeria’s standing and advancing its interests.

Her distinguished leadership of Nigeria’s delegation to the 69th Commission on the Status of Women placed the country at the forefront of international discussions on gender equality. There, she secured Nigeria’s endorsement of the Global Campaign Agreement, a historic move that integrates international standards on women’s rights into local governance and climate action.

This strategic diplomacy showcases how the Renewed Hope Agenda leverages global partnerships for domestic benefit.

Furthermore, her articulation of Nigeria’s agenda at regional forums like the ECOWAS Gender Session has reaffirmed the country’s leadership in West Africa, promoting a message of action and tangible outcomes over mere rhetoric.

Indeed, the synergy between President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and the Minister’s exemplary execution is a powerful force for national transformation. Her multifaceted achievements across security, humanitarian affairs, and women’s empowerment are a validation of the President’s discerning appointment strategy and the overarching goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The recent protests, rather than diminishing her, have only served to highlight the stark contrast between her documented record of success and the baseless nature of the criticisms against her.

She stands as a pillar of the administration, a reform-minded and results-driven leader whose work continues to secure a brighter, more hopeful future for all Nigerians, precisely as President Tinubu promised.