By Admin
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Zone D, has honoured the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, with the “Trailblazer in Women Political Representation” award in recognition of her efforts to advance women’s political empowerment and leadership in Nigeria.
The award was presented during a courtesy visit by the Zone D leadership to the Minister at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Zone D comprises Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Kwara States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Presenting the award, NAWOJ Vice President, Zone D, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, said the honour was in acknowledgement of the Minister’s dedication to promoting women’s leadership and expanding their participation in governance and politics. She noted that Suleiman-Ibrahim’s appointment was welcomed with optimism by ministry staff and women groups, who held high expectations for improved economic and socio-political empowerment for women.
Ogbeche also commended the Minister’s intervention in the case involving Walida Abdullahi, a young woman at the centre of a controversy over an alleged abduction and a relationship with a DSS operative. She praised the Minister’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the young woman and her baby, while assuring her of NAWOJ’s commitment to responsible and ethical journalism. She apologised for any media reportage that may have portrayed the profession negatively and reiterated that every girl-child has a right to life, education and protection.
Responding, Suleiman-Ibrahim thanked the association for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening collaboration with women journalists as strategic partners in advancing national development. She urged the media to exercise restraint in reporting sensitive cases, especially by avoiding undue exposure of victims, including the publication of photographs of Walida and her baby.
The Minister called on NAWOJ to amplify the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly his declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Family and Social Development,” which she described as a historic milestone for women and families across Nigeria. According to her, the declaration signals a deliberate commitment to dismantling systemic barriers affecting women and strengthening family structures nationwide.
She expressed concern over what she termed inadequate media coverage of the presidential declaration, stressing that national conversations on family values are foundational to building a stronger nation. The Minister added that the engagement with NAWOJ reaffirmed the Ministry’s resolve to partner with women journalists in promoting family values and safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls across the country.
