BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Abuja
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has honoured the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, with the ‘Trailblazer in Women Political Representation’ award in recognition of her contributions to advancing women’s political empowerment in Nigeria.
The award was presented by the association’s Zone D, comprising Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Kwara states and the FCT, during a courtesy visit to the minister at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Presenting the award, NAWOJ Vice President, Zone D, Mrs Chizoba Ogbeche, said the honour was in acknowledgement of the minister’s commitment to promoting women’s leadership and increasing their participation in politics.
Ogbeche noted that Suleiman-Ibrahim’s assumption of office was received with enthusiasm by ministry staff and women groups, raising expectations for improved economic and socio political empowerment of women across the country.
She commended the minister’s intervention in the case involving Walida Abdullahi, a young woman at the centre of controversy over an alleged abduction of a minor and a relationship involving a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, describing her role as timely and sensitive.
The NAWOJ vice president also assured the minister of the association’s commitment to responsible journalism, while expressing regret over any reportage that may have cast the media in a negative light.
“On behalf of women journalists, we apologise for any development that may have portrayed the media in a bad light. Every girl child has the right to life, education and protection, as the Honourable Minister has consistently emphasised”.
Ogbeche expressed confidence in the minister’s capacity to safeguard vulnerable women and girls, adding that her leadership signaled a positive shift in women’s representation at the national level.
She further explained that the award was initially conferred during the Zone’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, last year, but members resolved to present it to the minister in person.
“We are here to formally present this special recognition and commend you for your contributions to Nigerian women and children”.
In her response, Suleiman-Ibrahim thanked NAWOJ for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to deepening collaboration with women journalists in advancing national development objectives.
She lauded the association for its interest in the Walida Abdullahi case, stressing the need to protect the young woman and her child from undue media exposure, including the publication of their photographs.
The minister also urged NAWOJ to amplify the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Family and Social Development” represents a landmark commitment to strengthening family systems and addressing structural challenges affecting women.
According to her, the initiative underscores the administration’s resolve to dismantle systemic barriers confronting women and families across Nigeria.
She added that the engagement further reinforced the ministry’s readiness to partner with women journalists as critical stakeholders in promoting family values and protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.
