Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim: Square Peg in a Square Hole
By Yahaya Kana Onzonu
On Wednesday, 23 October 2024, President Tinubu’s much awaited and perhaps much dreaded cabinet shakeup finally happened. While the hammer fell on a few, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim was instead moved out of the ministry of Police Affairs where she was an under minister and appointed Minister of Women Affairs.
At first glance, everyone could see that her appointment to lead this very important ministry is both timely and strategic. Imaan comes cradling a diverse portfolio of experiences that positions her uniquely to address the multifaceted challenges facing Nigerian women.
Whether it is combating gender-based violence, promoting women’s economic empowerment, or advocating for equal representation in leadership, Imaan brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and determination to the table that is unmatched.
Born on April 19, 1980, in Plateau State, Imaan’s academic and professional journey reflects a rare combination of excellence, determination, and commitment. Graduating with a degree in Sociology at the young age of 19 from the University of Abuja, she further enriched her intellectual foundation by earning two master’s degrees—an MBA and an MA—from Webster University, London Campus.
Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Security and Strategic Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to academic and professional growth.
Her appointment is one that makes and communicates hope that Nigeria could get it right eventually. Looking at her rich portfolio of service in critical parastatals that focus on the strategic place of women in the Nigerian society, honing her skills and collecting valuable experience, I believe no one can rival what Imaan brings to the ministry of Women Affairs.
Her tenure at NAPTIP and the National Commission for Refugees and IDPs has given her a deep understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by women in marginalised communities.
Her grassroots advocacy ensures that her policies will be inclusive, addressing the needs of women across all social strata. Her background in security studies equips her to address the growing concerns of insecurity and its impact on women, particularly in conflict-prone regions.
Having led agencies that thrived on collaboration, it is my conviction that her ability to collaborate with international organisations, navigate complex government structures, and engage with local communities ensures that she will be an effective bridge between policymakers and the women whose lives they seek to improve.
Undoubtedly, Nigeria’s quest for inclusive governance and gender empowerment has taken a significant leap forward with the appointment of Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim to lead the Ministry of Women Affairs.
With a career deeply rooted in public service, strategic communication, and advocacy, Imaan represents the epitome of a leader who not only understands the challenges facing Nigerian women but also possesses the experience and passion to champion their cause.
As the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim led one of Nigeria’s most critical agencies in addressing the trafficking of women and children.
During her tenure, she introduced innovative strategies to combat human trafficking, including heightened surveillance at border points, the establishment of stronger partnerships with international organisations, and the empowerment of survivors.
Her leadership was defined by a victim-cantered approach. Recognising that the majority of trafficking victims were women and girls, Imaan championed policies that prioritised their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
She spearheaded programmes that provided counselling, vocational training, and financial support to survivors, ensuring they could rebuild their lives with dignity. This hands-on experience not only showcased her dedication to gender issues but also deepened her understanding of the systemic challenges facing Nigerian women, especially in rural and underserved areas.
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Following her success at NAPTIP, Imaan was appointed Federal Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). This role brought her face-to-face with the harsh realities of displacement, often exacerbated by conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Under her stewardship, the commission implemented policies aimed at providing sustainable solutions for refugees and IDPs.
Imaan’s tenure saw the introduction of initiatives focused on women in displaced communities. Understanding that women and children are disproportionately affected during crises, she promoted programmes that addressed their unique needs, including access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. For instance, she championed projects that supported female entrepreneurs within IDP camps, fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on aid.
Imaan excelled at high level collaboration with international bodies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which underscores her ability to navigate complex bureaucratic systems while advocating for the rights and welfare of displaced women.
The last 18 months or so that Imaan’s has served as Minister of State for Police Affairs have also been quite enriching for her, experience wise. In this role, she worked closely with law enforcement agencies, where she must have gained first-hand insight into the security challenges faced by Nigerian women.
Whether it was addressing gender-based violence, advocating for the recruitment of more women into the police force, or pushing for reforms to ensure the safety of women in public and private spaces, Imaan demonstrated a keen understanding of the intersection between security and gender.
Her Involvement in strategic policymaking and access to confidential reports on crimes against women further solidified her expertise in addressing the systemic issues contributing to insecurity.
Her experience in this role will undoubtedly inform her strategies as Minister of Women Affairs, enabling her to design and implement policies that prioritise the safety and empowerment of Nigerian women.
Beyond her government roles, Imaan has been a consistent advocate for women’s empowerment through grassroots initiatives.
She co-founded the BumbleBee Civic Initiative, a platform dedicated to mentoring politically inclined women and creating civic awareness. This initiative has inspired women to participate actively in governance while also providing them with the tools and knowledge to challenge societal barriers.
Her advocacy for Inclusive policies extends to her role as a member of the Nasarawa State Economic Advisory Council. Here, she contributed to economic strategies that recognised the critical role of women in driving sustainable development.
Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim’s appointment as Minister of Women Affairs is a testament to her track record of excellence, her commitment to gender equality, and her vision for a more inclusive Nigeria. As a square peg in a square hole, she embodies the qualities needed to champion the rights and welfare of Nigerian women.
This commitment is already bearing fruits because just yesterday, Thursday 14th November 2024, in Abuja, she launched activities to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual global event designed to raise awareness about the pervasive issues of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria, which affects millions of women and girls.
There’s no doubt that with Imaan at the helm of affairs, the Ministry of Women Affairs is poised to drive transformative policies that will not only empower women but also contribute to the broader goal of national development.
Imaan’s journey is an inspiration, a reminder that with dedication, resilience, and a clear vision, one can break barriers and create lasting impact.
As Nigerian women look to the future, they can take solace in knowing that their voices, aspirations, and challenges are in the capable hands of a leader who truly understands and cares. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim is not just a minister; she is a symbol of hope, progress, and empowerment.
Onzonu writes from Kana is Nasarawa state.
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