The National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria (NCTRN) has expressed its willingness to partner with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure the realization of the goals on sustainable empowerment of Nigerian Women and other programs designed the for Women at the grassroots levels in the country.

The Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, His Eminence Muhammed Abubakar, made the statement during the Official Unveiling of the Nigeria For Women Programme at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa Abuja, recently.

He stated that the Ministry's efforts at repositioning Nigerian women through sustainable empowerment is a laudable initiative but needs the active participation of the rural dwellers to ensure the realization of the objective

According to him, *having recognised the importance of the Programme as a catalyst for the socio-economic development of Nigerian women, we the traditional rulers showed up personally from all parts of the country, not only to give our support but to advocate that modalities be put in place towards ensuring that women at the grassroots become active participants and beneficiaries of the Scheme*

The Sultan informed that through collaboration with the traditional institutions which are closest to the rural dwellers, a lot of programmes put in place for the people can be achieved, adding, *if anyone has any doubt about the roles traditional rulers could play in the development of our country as well as the patriotism of our traditional leaders as regards the development of our country, coming here will clear that doubt*

He commended the Honourable Minister, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Management and Staff of the Ministry for their dogged commitment to the well-being of the women, children and the vulnerable in society

The Sultan also expressed the traditional institution’s commitment as partners in progress to promote the well-being of women and girls.


On his part, the Ooni of Ife and Co-Chair, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi called on the Ministry to use its various networks and stakeholders to ensure that its sustainable empowerment items reach the less privileged women and vulnerable in the rural areas

He further assured that traditional rulers in the country, as the closest authority to the ruralites
will continue to support all the laudable policies and objectives of government tailored towards poverty reduction, social inclusion and wealth creation, which will impact positively on the lives of the people.

While thanking the Royal Fathers for contributing to the success of the event through their physical presence, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanneye, highlighted that the rollout of these programs would alleviate the challenges faced by the intended beneficiaries.

“I thank our Royal Fathers for their physical presence and donors agencies, development partners, ambassadors since I came in, I have received so much support. I came in with the mindset to change the narratives, because i felt much has been done on trainings, so much of advocacy and consultations, I am not against it but if we train so much people and are on the streets doing nothing it is time to empower them, when we empower them we reduce poverty”.

The high point of the event was the formal unveil of several programs to advance the cause of Nigerian women and the vulnerable people by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, Fnipr, Fcai
Special Assistant, Media