Nasarawa State has launched the Nasarawa Young Female Leaders Initiative (NAYFLI), a new leadership and mentorship platform designed to empower young women through capacity building, political mentorship and community development engagement.
The initiative was officially launched in Lafia by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, alongside the unveiling of the first cohort of young female leaders selected under the programme.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the launch of NAYFLI as an important step towards strengthening grassroots leadership and creating more opportunities for young women in Nigeria.
Represented by the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Princess Jummai Idonije, the Minister said the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen women’s participation in leadership and sustainable development.
She commended the founder of NAYFLI, Halima Gayam, for building a platform focused on developing future female leaders in Nasarawa State.
According to the Minister, the initiative reflects the growing need to remove barriers affecting young women across communities.
“For too long, the narrative surrounding young women has been heavily weighed down by systemic limitations, economic exclusion and structural imbalances,” she said.
She added that the first cohort of participants represents “an unstoppable army of change agents ready to deliver impact and drive positive influence.”
The programme, themed “Rising to Lead: Empowering Nasarawa Young Women for Impact, Influence and Sustainable Development,” focuses on mentorship, leadership development and strategic engagement opportunities for young women across the state.
The Minister linked the initiative to the Federal Government’s broader social development agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that 2026 had been designated as the Year of Family and Social Development.
She also referenced the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774), which she described as a framework created to support socio-economic growth across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
According to her, NAYFLI reflects the leadership development pillar of the framework, with emphasis on women’s leadership, political mentorship and grassroots capacity building.
“By selecting, training and unveiling this first cohort of young female leaders, you are creating the highly skilled human resource base that will drive our grassroots development goals here in Nasarawa State,” she stated.
The Minister further said the government is working to strengthen affirmative procurement, improve financial literacy and support the implementation of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy at the grassroots level.
Addressing members of the pioneer cohort, she urged them to embrace collaboration and remain committed to solving problems affecting women in their communities.
“You have not been chosen to fulfil a numerical quota or to be mere spectators at a ceremony, but because you carry a seed of leadership that Nasarawa State, and indeed Nigeria, urgently require,” she said.
She also pledged continued support for the initiative through technical assistance, mentorship opportunities and strategic partnerships from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Founded by Halima Gayam, NAYFLI aims to equip young women with the leadership skills, mentorship networks and community engagement platforms needed to drive development and social impact across Nasarawa State.
The launch event ended with the unveiling of the first NAYFLI cohort, with participants encouraged to champion community transformation and contribute to sustainable development within the state.
