By
Akanta Hannah
The Federal Government says it is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s social protection system to better protect vulnerable families from poverty, economic shocks, and displacement.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esuabana Asanye stated this at the pre-summit of the 26th National Council on Women Affairs, Child Advancement and Social Development in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Mrs. Esuabana Asanye said the Ministry is promoting policies and programs that empower women, support families, and protect children, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She called for greater attention to the care economy, noting that women and girls bear much of the burden of unpaid care work, which limits their opportunities in education, employment, business, and leadership.
The Permanent Secretary urged governments at all levels to reduce the burden of unpaid care work, create decent jobs in the care sector, improve funding for social welfare programs, and take care services closer to communities.
She also stressed the importance of accurate and reliable data to help government make informed decisions and ensure social protection programmes reach those who need them most.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Mrs. Amina Jalo said the Council would focus on policies and program aimed at improving the welfare and advancement of women and children.
Earlier, Taraba State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Mary Sinjen said the meeting would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences, strengthen partnerships, and find practical solutions to challenges facing women, children, and vulnerable people.
The 26th National Council Meeting, with the theme, “Strengthening Families and Advancing the Care Economy for Inclusive Development: Operationalizing Nigeria’s Renewed Social Protection Architecture,” is expected to end with resolutions aimed at improving the lives of women, children and other vulnerable members of society.
