By Damilola Abiola
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has extended an olive branch to staff of the ministry after recent protests, urging them to embrace unity and dialogue in the interest of national service.
At a town hall meeting with workers in Abuja on Friday, the Minister accepted apologies from staff representatives and stressed that she held no grudges.
“We should all be human beings first before anything else. Unity is the only way forward,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said to loud applause. “I have nothing against anyone, and I believe we can solve our challenges through dialogue and mutual respect.”
Union leaders, including Mrs. Anne Orjiobele and Comrade Success Alake, admitted that the earlier demonstration was “misguided” and pledged renewed support for the Minister. They also appealed for continuous attention to staff welfare.
In a symbolic gesture that drew cheers, the Minister announced the distribution of a 50kg bag of rice to every worker present at the meeting.
Staff members used the opportunity to raise concerns on welfare, housing, training, and inclusion. The Minister promised to address the issues within available resources, clarifying that some administrative matters lie with the Permanent Secretary and Directors.
Her conciliatory tone and open-hearted approach won admiration from the workforce, many of whom described her as a “mother figure.” The meeting ended on a celebratory note, with workers singing, dancing, and hailing what they called “a new beginning” for the Ministry.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim reminded staff of their collective mission: “The Ministry of Women Affairs is the conscience of the country, with the responsibility of championing the rights and welfare of women, children, families, and vulnerable groups. We must see ourselves as collaborators, not adversaries.”