By Gabriel Ameh
📍 Abuja — The National Association of Nigerian Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has conferred a special recognition award on the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, describing her as a “Trailblazer in Women Political Representation.”
In a statement signed by Ahmed Lawan Danbazau, Head of Information, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, stating that the award was presented during a courtesy visit to the Minister’s office in Abuja by NAWOJ’s Zone D leadership, led by its Vice President, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbecha.
Zone D comprises Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Recognition and Call for Media Partnership
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister thanked the association for the recognition and emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and women journalists.
She called on NAWOJ members to amplify the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Family and Social Development.”
According to her, the declaration signals a commitment to prioritizing family stability, women’s empowerment, and social development policies nationwide.
She also expressed concern over what she described as limited media coverage of the presidential declaration, urging journalists to give greater visibility to issues affecting families and women.
NAWOJ Commends Minister’s Leadership
In her remarks, Mrs. Ogbecha said NAWOJ was proud of the Minister’s leadership and her role in promoting women’s political inclusion.
She noted that the association deliberately chose to present the award in person rather than by proxy, following a resolution reached during NAWOJ’s Independence Celebration in Lafia.
Ogbecha commended the Minister for intervening in a sensitive case that had generated public speculation, stating that her action helped stabilize the narrative while investigations continued.
She expressed confidence in the Minister’s commitment to protecting vulnerable women and girls and pledged NAWOJ’s continued support.
The event reaffirmed the Ministry’s intention to strengthen collaboration with women journalists as strategic partners in advancing policies related to women’s rights, family development, and social inclusion.
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