IDF : Ministry Of Women Affairs Moves To Protect, Empower Families

The Ministry of Women Affairs has outlined structures and formulated policies that will protect and empower Nigerian families.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated this in her message to commemorate the International Day of Families, which is celebrated on May 15.

The theme for 2025 is: “Family Oriented Policies For Sustainable Development :Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development,”

In view of this, Imman Sulaiman-Ibrahim said it is a clarion call to elevate the family not just as a private haven but a public priority, a living and breathing cornerstone of national transformation.

“Families are not secondary but central. It is in the family that values are formed, futures are shaped, peace is cultivated, and hope is nurtured. If we seek a just, equitable, and prosperous society, we must first secure the womb from which all societies are born, the family. ”

“The Minister Of Women Affairs on this special occasion commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unprecedented prioritization of women, children, the vulnerable, and family cohesion under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Stressing that his leadership has rekindled national conscience and reawakened the ministry’s duty to the most sacred institution of all; the family. Through bold policy directions, investments in care systems, child protection, women empowerment, and inclusive governance”.

“As the world prepares for the Second World Summit for Social Development, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is proud to lead Nigeria’s effort in positioning the family as a catalyst for resilient and sustainable societies”.

“Our vision remains clear: to achieve a Nigeria where no child is violated, no woman is silenced, and no family is left behind.”

“In recognition of emerging urban dynamics, the Ministry reflects on the increasing pressures faced by families in our cities: rising living costs, insecurity, overcrowded housing, and fraying social bonds.”

According to her, these realities demand bold, responsive, and forward-thinking interventions.

To this end she said the ministry has outlined strategic actions under the Renewed Hope Agenda for Women, Children, and Family Cohesion, to launch a targeted Outreach Programme to bring about a national framework for family cohesion in Nigeria.

“This will be done in partnership with state governments, the FCT Administration, NGOs, development partners, and religious and traditional leaders. This initiative aims to strengthen urban resilience, support families, and rebuild community ties, launch the National Guidelines for the Provision of Alternative Care for Children, which aim to safeguard children outside their natural homes by affirming their right to grow in love, dignity, and protection.”

“These guidelines also complements the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) and reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of every Nigerian child, unveil the National Family Strengthening and Development Programme (NFSP), a flagship initiative designed to combat poverty, domestic violence, fragile support systems, and socio-cultural disruptions.”

Targeting over 5 million Nigerians in its first phase, the programme will be sustained through strategic partnerships and innovative funding mechanisms”.

“It is also a community-based and community-driven programme, tailored across the 774 Local Government Areas to address the needs of each community”.

The Minister explained that a committee to develop the National Framework for Family Cohesion in Nigeria has been inaugurated, marking a significant step in institutionalizing family-centred development policies.

“We are advancing the Nigerian for Women Programme Scale-Up, targeting 4.5 million Nigerian women across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and by extension, reaching families”.

She said the ministry is making efforts to
restore dignity to caregiving and empower family units,
nurture children’s potential and protect the vulnerable.

“Support work-life balance and strengthen intergenerational bonds and
echo our collective pledge to families across Nigeria”.

“We call on all Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, Religious and Traditional Leaders, Development Partners, Women and Youth Groups, the Private Sector, and the Media to join in building a united front to protect and empower Nigerian families”.

“Let us remember: a nation that invests in its families builds more than homes; it builds legacies. Let us continue to shield the family with law and love, with policy and purpose. Together, let us honour the sacred rhythm of family life where every heartbeat matters, every voice is heard, and every dream is nurtured.”

P/R Alu Azege