Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim unveils expanded empowerment drive, welcomes partnership with businesswomen’s group ahead of 2027
By Chioma Vivian James
August 29, 2026
The road to the 2027 general elections is gradually taking a new dimension, with women emerging as a critical force in the political conversation, as the Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA) strengthens its partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the development, empowerment and economic advancement of Nigerian women, declaring that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is creating unprecedented opportunities for women to thrive.
The Minister made the declaration in Abuja when she received a high-powered delegation of BWI-RHA, led by its National Convener and Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Oyewole, in a strategic engagement aimed at deepening collaboration on women’s empowerment, economic participation and national development.
At the meeting, Hajia Imaan said the Ministry was broadening its intervention programmes beyond conventional empowerment schemes by deliberately positioning women to participate in profitable sectors, particularly areas of value addition and other economic activities traditionally dominated by men.
According to her, empowering women should go beyond providing short-term support, stressing the need to equip them to become active participants in sectors capable of creating wealth, generating employment and building sustainable livelihoods.
“I am willing to work with your group. There is a lot of work we need to do because we have to return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 to continue the great work he has begun in empowering Nigerian women,” the Minister said.
She further disclosed that the administration was targeting the mobilisation of 10 million votes from Nigerian women for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“We have never had it this good for women in Nigeria as it is now with President Tinubu, and so we are looking to deliver 10 million votes from the women. That can only be achieved if we all work together,” she stated.
The declaration places women at the centre of an emerging political mobilisation strategy, while simultaneously highlighting the growing relationship between the Ministry and women-led organisations seeking greater economic and political participation for Nigerian women.
BWI-RHA Pledges Stronger Partnership
Earlier, the BWI-RHA National Convener and Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Oyewole, represented by the organisation’s Director of Media and Communications, Hon. Evelyn Onyilo, commended the Minister for what she described as her commitment to advancing the economic wellbeing of Nigerian women.
Oyewole expressed the organisation’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry on policies and programmes designed to improve the economic standing of women, expand opportunities for female entrepreneurs and strengthen women’s contribution to national development and good governance.
She specifically appreciated the Minister’s support for BWI-RHA members and chapters, citing a ₦1 million grant earlier extended to the organisation’s Taraba chapter and a further ₦1 million grant promised to its Rivers State chapter.
“Thank you, Honourable Minister, for choosing to work with our women. You have demonstrated that in your generosity towards our Taraba chapter where you graciously gave a one million naira grant and our Rivers State chapter also where you have promised to give another one million naira grant,” Oyewole said.
She assured the Minister of the group’s commitment to working closely with her ministry to promote women’s economic empowerment and ensure that women play a more meaningful role in national development and good governance.
A New Alliance Takes Shape
The meeting was attended by BWI-RHA national officers and members of the Federal Capital Territory chapter, underscoring the organisation’s determination to establish a stronger institutional relationship with the Ministry of Women Affairs.
A major highlight of the engagement was the conferment of the title of Grand Patron of BWI-RHA on Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The Minister was also honoured with the “Distinguished Woman of National Impact” Award, presented by BWI-RHA in recognition of her contributions to women’s empowerment and national development.
The honours further reinforced the emerging partnership between the Ministry and the organisation at a time when women’s economic empowerment and political participation are becoming increasingly prominent in Nigeria’s national discourse.
BWI-RHA: From Launch to National Mobilisation
The engagement comes only months after the official launch of the Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWI-RHA) in June 2026.
The organisation was established with a mission to create a formidable platform where women can connect, empower one another, influence society positively and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Since its emergence, BWI-RHA has positioned itself around the ideals of women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership, civic participation and good governance.
With its growing network of women across chapters and professional backgrounds, the organisation is seeking to transform the strength and influence of Nigerian women into tangible economic and social impact.
The latest engagement with the Ministry therefore signals more than a courtesy visit. It points to a potentially strategic alliance between government and an organised network of businesswomen as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
For the Minister, the immediate priority remains expanding opportunities for women and ensuring they are not left behind in Nigeria’s economic transformation. For BWI-RHA, the goal is to mobilise, connect and empower women to become stronger stakeholders in the nation’s political and socioeconomic future.
As the 2027 political season draws closer, one message from the Abuja meeting is unmistakable: Nigerian women are positioning themselves to become an increasingly decisive force in the country’s next political chapter.
