Nigerian Mothers Are the Backbone of National Development – Minister

By Aminu Muhammad, Abuja

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has celebrated the strength, resilience, and enduring love of mothers, describing them as the pillars of families and the driving force behind community and national development.

In a message to mark Mother’s Day, the minister highlighted the critical role women play in Nigeria’s socio-economic growth, noting that women account for nearly half of the country’s population. She said millions of Nigerian mothers are entrepreneurs and small business owners who contribute significantly to agriculture, education, healthcare, and the informal economy.

According to her, the progress of the nation is closely tied to the wellbeing of mothers.

“When mothers thrive, Nigeria prospers,” she said, stressing that women’s contributions remain vital to building sustainable families and a stronger society.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also emphasised the unique role mothers play in nurturing future generations. She noted that through care, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication, mothers continue to shape the character and direction of the nation.

“On this special day, I honour the invaluable role mothers play in building strong families and a stronger Nigeria.

Your dedication, wisdom, and compassion inspire hope and progress in our society,” she said.

The minister extended the celebration to Nigerian mothers in the diaspora, describing motherhood as a powerful force of resilience, hope, and nurturing that sustains families and communities across the world.

She further reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment, protecting women’s rights, and expanding access to education and opportunities for women and girls.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that empowering mothers remains essential to strengthening families and advancing national development.