The Gender and Inclusion Summit 2025 has officially opened in Abuja, bringing together policymakers, civil society leaders, business executives, and international partners to accelerate the drive for a gender-inclusive Africa.
Lead, Albright Stonebridge Group; Olaniyi Yusuf, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group; Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director, Policy Innovation Centre; Dr. Tunji Alausa CON, The Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria; Dr Kemi Dasilva Ibru, Founder, Women at Risk International Foundation; Dr. Usie Charles, Country Director, Plan International Nigeria, CO-Chair TAC; Mr. Udeme Ufot, Chairman, Policy Innovation Centre, at the Gender and Inclusion Summit 2025
In his welcome speech, Mr. Udeme Ufot, Chairman of the Policy Innovation Centre, described the summit as a platform for advancing gender-responsive governance. Delivering the opening remarks, Mr. Niyi, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, emphasized the importance of accountability and innovation in building inclusive systems.
Keynote Speaker
Founder / CEO Gam Africa Institute for Leadership
Key presentations highlighted the impact of the Purple Book, a flagship publication that holds stakeholders accountable to gender-progress goals. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre, outlined strategies to strengthen collaboration across institutions.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stressed that empowering women translates directly into national prosperity, insisting that sustainable change requires both policy reforms and empowerment programs. She praised the President for his strong demonstration of political will and for the inclusion of women and children. In her words, “It’s women o’clock,” as the ministry pushes to dismantle systemic barriers and expand women’s economic power.
The keynote address was delivered by Oley Dibba-Wadda, founder of the GAM Africa Institute for Leadership, who urged women to take ownership of their narratives, leverage digital tools, and embrace intergenerational dialogue. She called on women to “take their power back” by utilizing technology to amplify their voices and accelerate inclusion.
Plenary sessions featured insights from government and private sector leaders, with discussions ranging from the role of data in enhancing gender inclusion to mainstreaming women and persons with disabilities in various industries.
Hon. Minister of Education , Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The summit also featured contributions from the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who stated that the Federal Government is prioritizing inclusive access to quality education through a new curriculum with a focus on vocational and digital skills for both boys and girls.
He emphasized that investing in women and girls remains the best investment for national growth, highlighting initiatives led by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Dr. Alausa also outlined efforts in digital sovereignty, school mapping across states, the reintroduction of school feeding through a conditional cash transfer model, and enhanced school security in line with the Safe School Declaration. He added that strategies are being tailored to meet the needs of people living with disabilities to ensure no child is left behind.
Honourable minister, The Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs and social Development
With participation growing from just 700 physical attendees in 2022 to more than 2,000 in 2024, and thousands more joining virtually, the Gender and Inclusion Summit continues to build momentum as a driving force for equity and inclusivity in governance, business, and society.
Cc: Cynthia Bassey
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