Minister Calls for Increased Investment in Women Artisans as Key to Nigeria’s Economic Growth

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has emphasized that empowering women artisans is not an act of charity but a vital economic strategy for Nigeria’s prosperity. Speaking at the launch of TIKERA Africa, a platform dedicated to celebrating African creativity and entrepreneurship, the minister highlighted the transformative potential of Nigerian women in driving national development.

Describing TIKERA Africa as a “transformative space” that blends innovation, cultural identity, and economic empowerment, she praised the initiative’s founder, Bayo Omoboriowo, for creating a platform that reflects the spirit and ingenuity of Nigeria.

Hajiya Imaan linked the initiative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to build a $1 trillion economy through inclusive growth. She described women and girls—who make up over half of Nigeria’s population—as the “engine of our economy and cultural strength.”

The minister also highlighted several key programs supporting women’s empowerment, including the $500 million Nigeria for Women Project benefiting 4.5 million women, the Women Agro-Value Expansion (WAVE) program integrating women into agro-industrial value chains, and the Renewed Hope Social Impact Investment Programme aimed at empowering 10 million women nationwide. Additionally, she noted that the Mariam Babangida National Centre for Women Development now offers certified artisan training to build skills and economic opportunities.

Calling TIKERA Africa more than just a platform, she described it as a movement to build economic power for women, reinforcing their central role in the national development agenda.

TIKERA Africa’s CEO, Bayo Omoboriowo, stressed the importance of transforming Nigeria’s creative industry beyond occasional exhibitions into a sustainable economic force that generates jobs and reduces poverty. He stated the mission is to enable individuals from all backgrounds to succeed without relying on connections.

John Momoh, chairman of TIKERA Africa’s board, echoed this vision, describing the platform as a bold initiative to connect African talent to global opportunities and ensure creative ideas receive the recognition they deserve.