By Nafisat Makinde
Over the weekend, Women in Philanthropy and Impact Africa (WIPIA) hosted a high-level strategic brunch at The Delborough Hotel in Lagos, bringing together private sector leaders, philanthropists, and development actors to discuss advancing the Ministry of Women Affairs’ 10-million women empowerment mandate. The brunch, according to a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Jonathan Eze (included), was designed as an intimate but catalytic engagement focused on accountability, connection, and collective action.
The Minister shared a deeply personal moment that shifted her career trajectory, saying, “That moment ignited a resolve in me to ensure that every Nigerian woman and child has access to the opportunities, dignity, and care they deserve.” Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, stating, “We are seeking shared value partnerships not just funding, but expertise, platforms, mentorship, and time. You, our partners in the private sector, are critical to helping us scale impact, reduce inequalities, and unlock the immense potential of Nigerian women.”
She cited World Bank data, highlighting that closing gender gaps could unlock $9.3 billion annually for Nigeria and $28 trillion globally. The Minister announced the upcoming launch of a 30th-anniversary coffee-table publication chronicling Nigerian women’s journey and milestones, saying, “Being featured in this publication is more than visibility it is a symbol of shared legacy and national transformation.”
Key Ministry Initiatives
Initiatives showcased during the brunch include:
- The Happy Woman App: A digital platform for real-time access to opportunities and services
- Nigeria for Women Project: A large-scale economic empowerment program for rural women
- MOWA x SARA Accelerator: Advancing women’s protection, development, and inclusion in collaboration with Wema Bank
Guests in attendance included:
Erelu Abiola Dosunmu,HRH Erelu Dr. Chevalier Abiola Dosumu Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Yeye Oodua of Ile Ife, Ahunna Eziakonwa (UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Director for Africa),Bola Shagaya (Founder/CEO, Bolmus Group International), Ernest Ndukwe (Chair, MTN Nigeria), Bola Adesola (Chair, Ecobank Nigeria), Kemi Ibru Da Silva (Founder, WARIF), Claire Omatseye (Founder/MD, JNC International), Uju Ifejika (Chairperson/CEO, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited), Mark Okoye, CEO, South East Development Commission Yetunde Oni (CEO, Union Bank), CEO, Kunbi Uzochukwu, MD, Delborough Lagos, Uche Pedro (Founder, BellaNaija), Mabel Makun and Dr Princess Oghene, …and many more champions of women-focused development.
The Minister concluded, “This is not just a moment it’s a movement. A Nigeria where women and girls thrive is within reach but it requires collective action. It is WOMAN O’CLOCK, and the time is now.”
