By Uzoamaka Mfoniso
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has urged Nigerians to cultivate intentional daily habits that build character, strengthen institutions, and transform the nation.
Delivering a Ketnote address at the National Leadership Conference held in Abuja, themed ” Power of Daily Habits: Small Shifts, Big Results”
The Minister said it aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Nation-building is not achieved by lofty declarations alone, but through the consistency of daily discipline, innovation, and responsibility practiced by leaders, families, and communities alike,” she noted.
Daily Habits, Big Impact
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted that nearly half of human actions are habitual.
“Facts remind us why daily habits matter: 40–45% of our daily actions are driven by habits, not conscious decisions. According to McKinsey Global Institute, productivity rises by up to 30% when people adopt structured, intentional routines,” she explained.
She said women exemplify this principle through farming, micro-businesses, and family life.
“Women make up 43% of our agricultural labour force, providing food security through small but consistent farming practices. They account for 41% of micro-business owners, sustaining households and local economies with daily entrepreneurial activities,” she added.
Nigeria’s Reality
The Minister pointed to inspiring cases of lives realities and daily practices that are transforming communities .
“In Kano, women cooperatives are turning small daily contributions into thriving enterprises. In Bayelsa, fisherwomen are adopting solar drying techniques, reducing waste and boosting incomes. In Lagos, women entrepreneurs are leveraging digital platforms daily to scale businesses. In Nasarawa, rural mothers are practicing sustainable farming, ensuring food security for their families,” she stated.
Linking the theme to government action, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes – 774 are rooted in daily transformation.
“In every local government of Nigeria, women, families, and communities are accessing clean cooking solutions, solar power, microfinance, and health interventions. Each day, in 774 local government areas, lives are changing; not through grand declarations but through consistent, daily access to basic necessities,” she affirmed.
She also underscored the role of innovation: “With mobile banking, women in rural Adamawa now save and transact securely every day. With solar home systems, women in Zamfara can power businesses beyond daylight hours. With clean cooking stoves, women in Ebonyi reduce exposure to smoke-related diseases; saving over 95,000 potential lives annually if fully adopted nationwide.”
Call to Action
The Minister urged leaders and citizens alike to model excellence in daily conduct.
“Let every state, every community, every leader encourage habits of punctuality, savings, innovation, responsibility, and service. If 774 local governments practice one small shift daily, Nigeria will witness 774 big transformations, aggregating into a Renewed Nation of Hope,” she charged.
She activated a clarion call with a powerful reminder: “The future of Nigeria will not be shaped by one breakthrough moment, but by what millions of citizens do every morning, every afternoon, and every night. Habits build character, character builds institutions, and institutions build nations.”
The conference drew national leaders, policymakers, and development partners, all echoing the message that small shifts in daily life can lead to extraordinary national transformation
