The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council Women’s Directorate has extended its mobilisation and economic empowerment activities to Rivers and Akwa Ibom States as part of its engagement with women ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a meeting with women stakeholders in Port Harcourt, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, urged beneficiaries to invest their empowerment grants in productive ventures to promote sustainable business growth.
The Minister conveyed a message from the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, assuring the women of her commitment to their welfare and economic advancement.
“The mother of the nation sent us with good tidings. She said she loves you. She said as long as she is there, women will not suffer in Nigeria,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the First Lady had continued to engage women and girls across the country through various empowerment initiatives.
“She has not rested. She has been going from state to state, from local government to local government, empowering women and girls,” the Minister said.
She also encouraged the women to participate actively in the electoral process, stressing the importance of protecting their votes at polling units.
The Minister said President Bola Tinubu’s administration had prioritised issues relating to women, families, nutrition, healthcare and education.
According to her, the President declared 2026 the Year of the Family, with a directive for different sectors to increase investment in family welfare.
“Before now, the Ministry of Women Affairs was not a priority. Mr President has prioritised women’s affairs in Nigeria. He has declared this year the Year of the Family and urged every sector to invest in the family,” she said.
She added that women often bear significant responsibilities when families and communities experience economic and social difficulties.
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Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted government interventions in nutrition, healthcare and education, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and investments in primary healthcare.
She urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the grants, noting that small businesses could grow into sustainable enterprises with proper investment.
“The First Lady wants us to guard our polling units. You will all be receiving grants today. Those who start small will grow big. Please use the empowerment grant to grow your businesses,” she said.
As part of the engagements in Rivers State, members of the Directorate also visited the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), where new mothers, children and other vulnerable persons received support.
At a separate meeting in Akwa Ibom State, the Minister reiterated the importance of women’s economic empowerment, announcing market grants to support participants in expanding their businesses.
“Women’s economic empowerment and women’s family empowerment are now a priority. Joy is here; we have a market economic grant, and everyone here will receive a grant now to go and add to their businesses. The more you grow your business, the more you can access more grants and loans,” she said.
The Minister, who also serves as Secretary of the Directorate, was accompanied by its Director, Dr Mary Alile; Deputy Director, Betta Edu; and other members.
The engagements form part of the Directorate’s grassroots mobilisation and outreach activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
