By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
President Bola Tinubu marked his second year in office on May 29th, the mid-term report from May 2023 to May 2025 offers a revealing snapshot of progress under his administration’s flagship policy framework—the Renewed Hope Action Plan 2023. Central to this plan is a focus on social inclusion, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation, with particular attention to women, children, and vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
This detailed feature explores the human stories behind the statistics, the strides made by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and the challenges that remain on the path to fulfilling Tinubu’s campaign promises.
Bridging the Gap: Women’s Empowerment in Policy and Practice Enugu Women’s Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship Journey
In Enugu State, 200 women recently completed a rigorous training programme on financial literacy and entrepreneurship development. For many, this was more than just a course—it was a lifeline.
Take the story of Mrs. Chinyere Okafor, a 38-year-old mother of three. Before the training, she struggled to manage her small tailoring business, often losing track of expenses and profits. “I used to think running a business was just about sewing and selling,” she says. “But now I understand budgeting, saving, and even how to apply for loans. This knowledge has changed everything for me.”
This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope promise to economically empower women by improving access to capital and financial services. The government’s micro-credit initiatives and training sessions have begun to bridge the gap between policy and real-world impact.
Fighting Gender-Based Violence: Awareness and Justice
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, under the leadership of Imaan Suliaman-Ibrahim has also prioritised strengthening women’s access to justice in the face of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Through sensitization programs on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015, thousands of women have been educated about their rights and the protections available under Nigerian law.
In Gombe State, 600 vulnerable women and adolescent girls participated in a three-day training on nutrition-sensitive income-generating activities, equipping them with skills to improve household income and nutrition. Another 300 women received training on micro-enterprises and financial inclusion, enabling them to start or expand small businesses.
One participant, Aisha Ibrahim, shares her experience: “Before this training, I felt helpless after my ordeal with domestic abuse. Now, I know my rights and how to stand up for myself. I also learned how to start a small food business, which is helping me support my family.”
The government’s commitment to prosecuting domestic violence cases more seriously and encouraging whistleblowing is a critical step toward creating safer communities for women.
Ending Child Marriage: A National Dialogue for Change
Child marriage remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, and the Ministry’s organised national dialogue brought together over 100 stakeholders—including traditional rulers—to discuss strategies to end this practice by 2030.
The dialogue was not just a meeting but a platform for collective action, fostering consensus on policy reforms and community engagement. For many attendees, it was a call to action.
Chief Olufemi Adewale, a traditional ruler from the Southwest, remarked, “Ending child marriage requires us to challenge long-held customs and protect our girls’ futures. This dialogue has given us a roadmap to do so.”
Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Efforts: Reaching the Most Vulnerable
Conditional Cash Transfers: A Lifeline for Millions
Under the leadership of the minister, Nentawe Yilwatda, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has expanded its Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme, reaching over 3 million beneficiaries across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This programme provides direct financial support to the poorest Nigerians, helping them meet basic needs and stabilize their livelihoods.
For Fatima Musa, a widow and mother of five in Kano State, the CCT payments have been transformative. “With this support, I can buy food and school supplies for my children. It gives me hope that we can survive and thrive,” she says.
Responding to Flood and Banditry Victims
Nigeria’s recent floods and banditry crises have displaced thousands. The government, supported by ECOWAS and the Nigerian Red Cross, provided food, non-food items, cash assistance, and water sanitation facilities to affected communities in states like Adamawa, Kebbi, and Rivers.
In Sokoto State, displaced families received nutrition supplements for malnourished children and pregnant women, alongside livelihood support items to help them rebuild.
One beneficiary, Ibrahim Bello, recounts, “After losing our home to floods, the government’s help gave us a chance to start again. The borehole they built means clean water for my family.”
Youth Empowerment: Motorcycles and Tricycles for Economic Independence
Over 3,000 youths nationwide have been empowered with motorcycles and tricycles to start transport businesses, a vital source of income in many communities.
In Borno State, 85 youths received tricycles, enabling them to navigate challenging terrains and support their families. “This opportunity has changed my life,” says Amina Yusuf, a young entrepreneur. “I can now earn a living and contribute to peace-building in my community.”
Bridging Promises and Reality: The Renewed Hope Action Plan in Focus
The mid-term report highlights several key areas where the Tinubu administration has made tangible progress. Social inclusion and political empowerment efforts have focused on increasing women’s participation in government to at least 35 percent of all governmental positions. This is reflected in the numerous training and sensitization programmes for women across the states.
Economic empowerment has been pursued through support for women-owned businesses, including micro-credit initiatives, entrepreneurship training, and the distribution of equipment and starter packs to women’s cooperatives. These efforts aim to enhance financial inclusion and boost small and medium enterprises led by women.
In the fight against domestic violence and abuse, the government has strengthened social services and support for victims by encouraging whistleblowing, providing counseling, and establishing sanctuary homes. Awareness campaigns on the VAPP Act have been instrumental in educating women about their rights and legal protections.
Educational parity remains a priority, with programmes designed to ensure that school-aged girls have a fair chance at education. Nutrition-sensitive income programs and the expansion of school feeding initiatives contribute to improving enrollment and retention rates.
Finally, the government has placed special emphasis on helping the most disadvantaged by ensuring social programmes empower as many women as possible to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Training programmes and livelihood support have reached thousands, providing critical skills and resources.
While these achievements are promising, challenges remain. The problem of out-of-school children persists, and more work is needed to ensure that social programs reach the most marginalized communities effectively.
Stories of Hope and Resilience
Maryam’s Journey: From Vulnerability to Entrepreneurship
Maryam, a 27-year-old single mother in Gombe, was among the 600 women trained in income-generating activities. Before the programme, she relied on sporadic casual labour to feed her children.
“The training gave me skills to start a small poultry business,” she explained. “Now, I sell eggs and chickens in my neighborhood. I’m no longer dependent on others.”
Her story echoes the broader impact of the Ministry’s initiatives—transforming lives through skills and support.
Esther’s Fight Against Child Marriage
Esther, a 16-year-old from a rural community in the North, was saved from an early marriage by local activists mobilized through the national dialogue on ending child marriage.
“I want to finish my education and become a teacher,” she said with determination. “Thanks to the government’s efforts, girls like me have a chance.”
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum for Inclusive Growth
As President Tinubu’s administration moves beyond the mid-term mark, sustaining and scaling these programmes will be crucial. The integration of stakeholder feedback, continuous monitoring, and community engagement are vital to ensuring that the Renewed Hope Action Plan delivers on its promise to uplift Nigeria’s women and vulnerable populations.
The government’s commitment to transparency and citizen engagement, through quarterly sessions, offers a platform for Nigerians to hold leaders accountable and contribute to policy refinement.
Conclusion: A Renewed Hope Taking Root
Marking two years in office, President Tinubu’s leadership reflects a renewed hope for millions of Nigerians—especially women, children, and the vulnerable—who have long awaited tangible change. The Federal Ministries of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction have made commendable strides, translating campaign promises into impactful programs that touch lives across the nation.
While challenges remain, the stories of empowerment, resilience, and progress offer a compelling narrative of a government striving to build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous Nigeria.
As the journey continues, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the promise of a brighter future—one where every Nigerian, regardless of gender or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive.