In a landmark move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled the portfolios of the recently approved Ministerial nominees, marking a significant stride towards gender equality in governance. Among the notable appointments is the naming of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim as the first female Minister of State for Police Affairs.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, hailing from Plateau State, has charted a remarkable trajectory in her career, garnering impressive accolades and accomplishments along the way. Here are 10 key insights into her journey:
Early Life and Education: Born in Plateau State, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim spent her formative years in Abuja. Her educational foundation was laid at Aruwa Nursery School and Jabi Primary School. She commenced her tertiary education at the University of Abuja, graduating with a degree in Sociology at the age of 19.
Academic Brilliance: Demonstrating unparalleled determination, Imaan earned two master’s degrees by the age of 21. She acquired an MBA and MA from Webster University, St Louis, Missouri (London Campus).
Service in Kaduna: Imaan’s commitment to national service led her to complete her National Youth Service at the NNPC in the Kaduna Zonal Office.
Ongoing Pursuit of Knowledge: Not content with her achievements, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is currently pursuing a Doctoral Security and Strategic Studies program at the Nigeria Defence Academy.
Career Beginnings: Imaan’s professional journey commenced at Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), where she was instrumental in introducing Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) for the Federal Capital Territory. Her contributions included the computerization of spatial workflows in various departments and agencies.
Empowering Women in Politics: The driving force behind The Beehive Initiative, now known as the BumbleeBee Civic Initiative, Imaan co-founded this platform to nurture and mentor women with political aspirations while fostering grassroots civic awareness.
Cosmetics and Leadership: Her versatility is apparent through her role as a senior sales director in the cosmetics and skin-care company, Mary Kay.
Refugees and Displaced Persons: In June 2021, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim assumed the role of Federal Commissioner for the National Commission For Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons Office.
Strategic Communications Expertise: As a Special Adviser on strategic communication to the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Imaan showcased her adeptness in effective communication strategies.
Political and Family Life: Appointed a member of the Nasarawa State economic advisory council by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State Engr. A. A. Sule in September 2019, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim seamlessly balances her professional pursuits with her roles as a wife and mother to three children.
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s appointment as the first female Minister of State for Police Affairs marks a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity and gender balance in the nation’s leadership. Her dedication to public service, strategic prowess, and commitment to empowerment position her as a beacon of hope for aspiring women leaders across Nigeria.
