By Emmanuel Awari – Jalingo
The National Council for Women Affairs, Child Advancement and Social Development has commenced its 2026 National Summit in Jalingo, Taraba State, with the theme, “Strengthening Families and Advancing the Care Economy for Inclusive Development.”
The summit focuses on strengthening families, expanding social protection and promoting greater investment in the care economy.
Declaring the pre-summit technical session open, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Ibrahim, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Esuabana Asanye, called for deliberate investment in policies, infrastructure and services that recognise, reduce, redistribute and reward care work while creating decent employment opportunities.
“We must move beyond recognising the value of care work to building systems that support, reduce and fairly redistribute the burden of care, while creating decent employment opportunities and strengthening the social and economic wellbeing of families,” she said.
The Minister emphasised that strong families remain the foundation of stable societies and sustainable national development, noting that women and girls continue to bear a disproportionate share of unpaid care responsibilities.
She said the Council would seek to translate national priorities into measurable outcomes through plans, policies, projects and programmes designed to empower women, strengthen families, protect children and promote social inclusion.
“It is therefore expedient that the theme of this year’s Council is centred on: ‘Strengthening Families and Advancing the Care Economy for Inclusive Development: Operationalising Nigeria’s Renewed Social Protection Architecture,’” she said.
She described the theme as both timely and strategic, noting that strong families are the bedrock of stable societies, productive economies and sustainable national development.
“It also draws attention to the critical role of the care economy, both paid and unpaid, in supporting households, improving human development outcomes and driving inclusive economic growth,” she added.
Hajiya Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim disclosed that the Ministry was committed to translating the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria Agenda 2050 into action under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, with emphasis on inclusive growth, human capital development, poverty reduction and social protection.
According to her, the pre-summit represents the intellectual foundation of the Council, adding that memoranda submitted by Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the national, sub-national and third tiers of government, as well as relevant stakeholders, would be carefully analysed during the sessions.
She said recommendations emerging from the deliberations would help shape future plans, policies, projects and programmes.
The Minister urged delegates to participate actively, contribute extensively and engage with professional openness and mutual consideration.
“Let us liberally discuss the issues before us with evidence, innovation and a shared commitment to national development. Our discussions should focus not only on identifying challenges but, more importantly, on developing practical, implementable and sustainable solutions,” she said.
She also called for greater attention to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things and digital inclusion, while urging stakeholders to respond urgently to climate change and global warming.
“As we deliberate, we must pay particular attention to strengthening coordination across all tiers of government, improving financing for social welfare programmes, institutionalising family-centred interventions, expanding community-based care services, promoting data-driven decision-making and enhancing accountability in programme implementation,” she said.
“These are essential building blocks for operationalising Nigeria’s Renewed Social Protection Architecture.”
She acknowledged the support of development partners, sponsors, donor agencies, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders whose collaboration, she said, continues to strengthen the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the lives of children, families, vulnerable groups and women across the country.
“Your partnership remains invaluable and highly appreciated,” she added.
In his welcoming address, the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs Mary Sinjen, expressed the state’s honour in hosting the national gathering.
“Taraba State is honoured to host this important national conversation. We believe that strengthening families and investing in the care economy are essential to building a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous society,” the Governor said.
The Governor urged participants to use the summit to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions that would translate into meaningful impact across communities.
He reaffirmed the Taraba State Government’s commitment to policies and programmes that strengthen families, empower women and children, expand social protection and promote inclusive development.
He also assured delegates of the state government’s continued support for initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of vulnerable groups and communities.
“Your presence here is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing the welfare, empowerment, protection and development of women, children and vulnerable persons across Nigeria,” he said.