By Queen Kunde
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, on Friday calmed rising tensions in the ministry by forgiving protesting workers, pledging renewed focus on staff welfare, and calling for unity in service to the nation.
At a town hall meeting with staff in Abuja, the Minister embraced the apologies of workers who had earlier staged demonstrations, declaring that she bore no grudges and urging all staff to work together for the greater good.
“We should all be human beings first before anything else. Unity is the only way forward. I have nothing against anyone, and I believe we can solve our challenges through dialogue and mutual respect,” she said, drawing thunderous applause from the workforce.
Union Chairperson Mrs. Anne Orjiobele, Comrade Success Alake, and other staff leaders openly admitted that the earlier protest was misguided, pledging renewed loyalty and cooperation with the Minister.
In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim announced that each worker present would receive a 50kg bag of rice — a move greeted with cheers and dancing from the jubilant staff.
Staff members also raised issues of welfare, housing, training, and inclusion, which the Minister promised to address within available resources. She emphasized that while some administrative responsibilities fall under the Permanent Secretary and Directors, staff welfare remains a top priority under her leadership.
By the end of the meeting, tensions had dissolved into celebration, with workers singing and dancing in what many described as “a new beginning” for peace and collaboration in the Ministry of Women Affairs.