List Of All Ministers Of Women’s Affairs And Social Development In Nigeria (1999-Present)

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Nigeria was established to promote women’s rights, gender equality, and social welfare.

Initially set up as the Women Commission in October 1996, it became a full ministry in 1997, and ever since, its name and focus have developed.

In 2010, it was renamed the Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Development, and Gender Empowerment, and later in 2014, it was called the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender Empowerment, and Social Development.

The ministry was finally renamed back to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in 2019. Anyway, the ministry plays an important part in creating an enabling environment for women, children, and vulnerable groups.

It implements various laws and programs aimed at protecting rights and promoting development, including the Child’s Rights Law and the Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law. The ministry collaborates with other governmental and non-governmental organizations to achieve its objectives.

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Ministers Of Women’s Affairs And Social Development

MinisterTermPolitical Party
Aisha Ismail1999–2003PDP
Rita Akpan2003–2005PDP
Maryam Ciroma2005–2007PDP
Saudatu Bungudu2007–2008PDP
Salamatu Hussain Suleiman2008–2010PDP
Josephine Anenih2010–2011PDP
Zainab Maina2011–2015APC
Aisha Jummai Alhassan2015–2018APC
Aisha Abubakar2018–2019APC
Pauline Kedem Tallen2019–2023APC
Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye2023–presentAPC

Who Was The First Minister Of Women’s Affairs And Social Development In Nigeria?

Aisha Ismail

Aisha Ismail was the first Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development in Nigeria, serving from June 1999 until May 2003.

Aisha Ismail is known for her dedication to public service and her contributions to women’s rights and social development in Nigeria.

Born in Kano, Aisha Ismail pursued her education at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria and later at the University College of Swansea in Wales, United Kingdom.

In the 1980s, Aisha Ismail made history by becoming the first female commissioner of the Kano State Executive Council.

This achievement was the beginning of her influential career in government. In 1992, she was appointed as the first Director General of the National Commission for Women.

Between 1992 and 1994, she served as a Special Envoy to the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union).

She also led delegations to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in Vienna. She served as the President of the African Regional Coordinating Committee on the Integration of Women in Development for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

During her tenure as the Federal Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development, Aisha Ismail worked under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

One of her notable achievements was her involvement in the passage of the 2003 Child Rights Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at protecting the rights of children in Nigeria.

Aisha Ismail was also recognized for her service to the nation. She was awarded the title of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), which is a prestigious honor in Nigeria.

In 2014, she participated as a delegate from Kano State in the National Conference. After leaving public service, Aisha Ismail focused on her private life.

Still, her legacy in public service and her contributions to women’s rights and social development continue to be remembered.

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Who Is The Current Minister Of Women’s Affairs And Social Development In Nigeria?

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye is the current Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development in Nigeria. She was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on August 21, 2023.

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye was born on December 23, 1973, in Nigeria. She studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1996.

The following year, she was admitted to the Nigerian Bar. Later, she earned a Master of Laws degree from the University of Abuja in 2002.

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has had a diverse career. She is a lawyer, entrepreneur, politician, and film producer. Plus, she runs her law firm, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye & Co., where she provides legal services to both individuals and businesses.

Additionally, she is involved in real estate and the education sector. She founded the Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye Academy, a private educational institution.

In the film industry, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye is a popular producer. She has worked on several Nollywood films, including “Mama Onboard,” “The Senator,” “The Governor,” and “The President.”

She also holds the position of president of the Association of Nollywood Producers (ANP). Politically, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), having joined the party in 2015.

In 2023, she became the first woman to run for the presidency of Nigeria under the APC. However, she later stepped down and endorsed Bola Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos State, who eventually won the presidency.

As the Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has set her priorities on important issues. She aims to eradicate gender-based violence and improve women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria.

Also, she advocates for more women in leadership positions and supports the implementation of the National Gender Policy.

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye is married to Kennedy Ohanenye, a businessman and philanthropist, and they have four children together.

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