Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda: FG Launches Massive Drive to Save Nigerian Families

In a decisive move to combat poverty and social fragmentation, Nigeria’s Federal Government has unveiled three major programmes aimed at reinforcing family unity and protecting vulnerable children. The announcement, made by Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, coincides with the International Day of Families.

The Minister, through her Special Adviser Jonathan Eze, explained that these initiatives will address the escalating challenges Nigerian families face, particularly in urban areas where economic hardship and insecurity are rampant.

Highlighting the significance of the day’s theme-“Family-oriented policies for sustainable development: Towards the second world summit for social development”-the Minister said, “We are pleased to announce the following strategic actions under the Renewed Hope Agenda for women, children, and family cohesion.”

Among the key programmes is a targeted outreach initiative to develop a national framework for family cohesion, involving partnerships with state governments, NGOs, religious and traditional leaders. This is aimed at “strengthening urban resilience, supporting families, and rebuilding community ties.”

The government will also launch national guidelines for alternative care of children, which prioritize the rights of children living outside their biological homes to grow in “love, dignity, and protection,” reinforcing commitments made under the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children.

A flagship National Family Strengthening and Development Programme will be rolled out to combat poverty, domestic violence, and social disruptions, initially reaching over five million Nigerians. The programme’s community-based design will adapt to the needs of all 774 Local Government Areas.

Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim also revealed the inauguration of a committee to develop the family cohesion framework and the scale-up of the Nigerian for Women Programme, targeting 4.5 million women nationwide.

She urged all stakeholders-government agencies, civil society, religious and traditional leaders, development partners, women, youth groups, the private sector, and media-to collaborate in this national effort, underscoring that “families are not secondary but central.”