Recognition Celebrates Innovation, Inclusion, Human Capital Development and Social Impact in Women, Children and Family Development
By Chioma Vivian James
ABUJA, September 19, 2026 — The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, has been honoured with the prestigious Excellence in Leadership Award by the GOTNI Leadership Centre in recognition of her contributions to purposeful leadership, innovation, inclusion and human capital development.
The award was presented on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, during the 2-Day National Conference on Leadership 2026, bringing together leaders and stakeholders committed to strengthening leadership and advancing sustainable development in Nigeria.
The Minister was represented at the event by her Special Assistant (Technical) and Community Engagement, who also serves as the Chairman, Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD).
The recognition highlights the Minister’s leadership approach, particularly her focus on translating policy objectives into practical interventions capable of improving the lives of women, children, families and other vulnerable groups across the country.
Under her leadership, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has continued to pursue programmes designed to strengthen women’s economic empowerment and expand opportunities for vulnerable populations through skills development, enterprise support, social protection and improved access to economic opportunities.
The Ministry’s interventions also place emphasis on building stronger social development systems and creating an environment where women and vulnerable persons can participate meaningfully in national development.
Beyond economic empowerment, the Ministry has maintained a strong focus on child protection and the prevention of gender-based violence, while promoting survivor-centred approaches and coordinated institutional responses to social challenges affecting women, children and families.
These priorities reflect an approach to governance that places people at the centre of development, with emphasis on inclusion, dignity, opportunity and measurable social outcomes.
The GOTNI Leadership Centre’s recognition therefore comes as a significant acknowledgement of leadership anchored on purpose and service, particularly in a sector where effective policies and institutional interventions can have direct consequences for millions of Nigerians.
The award also underscores the growing importance of leadership that combines innovation with human-centred development, ensuring that government policies extend beyond institutional frameworks to produce tangible benefits for citizens.
Receiving the recognition on behalf of the Minister, her representative conveyed the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining efforts aimed at empowering women, protecting children, strengthening families and improving social development outcomes.
The Excellence in Leadership Award adds another recognition to Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s public service record and underscores the importance of purposeful leadership in advancing inclusive national development.
As Nigeria continues to pursue stronger social protection systems, greater economic inclusion and improved opportunities for women and young people, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development remains a critical institution in shaping policies and programmes that address the needs of vulnerable groups.
The recognition at the GOTNI National Conference consequently serves not only as a celebration of the Minister’s leadership, but also as an acknowledgement of the broader imperative for innovative, inclusive and people-centred leadership in Nigeria’s social development sector.
Leadership with purpose. Innovation with impact. Service with humanity.
