Why Nigeria may soon declare a public holiday for single mothers, fathers
Participants at the 2025 National Conference on Raising Future Leaders, organised by The Memunat Single Mother and Child Initiative in Abuja
A gender advocacy organisation, The Memunat Single Mother and Child Initiative, has urged the Federal Government to designate a National Day for Single Parenting in recognition of the rising challenges faced by single parents and the critical role they play in raising future leaders.
The call was made by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Mrs. Memunat Idu’Lah, at the 2025 National Conference on Raising Future Leaders held in Abuja.
The event, themed “Invisible but not Inconsequential: Shedding Light on the Socio-Cultural, Economic and Legal Realities of Single Parenthood in Nigeria”, brought together stakeholders to discuss the increasing socio-economic burdens faced by single parents.
Idu’Lah said dedicating a national day would foster awareness, empathy, and coordinated support for single parents, stressing that many are struggling to meet basic needs for their children due to social and economic barriers.
“In the United States, National Single Parent Day has been celebrated since 1984 to honour and support single parents. It is time Nigeria adopts a similar approach,” she said.
“Single parenting affects both men and women. We must begin to address this issue as a nation to ensure children raised in such homes are not left disadvantaged.”
She further highlighted the dangers of remaining in abusive marriages, urging parents, especially women, to prioritise their safety and the well-being of their children.
Sharing her personal experience, Ms. Alheri Gotus, a participant at the conference, said she left her marriage due to persistent abuse and called on women not to sacrifice their lives in the name of societal expectations.
“Our children need us alive. Motherhood is a lifelong responsibility and we must protect ourselves to care for our children,” she said.
Representing the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Iman Ibrahim, Hajiya Aisha Sulaiman acknowledged the growing challenges faced by single parents, including social stigma, financial constraints, and legal hurdles.
She assured that the ministry remains committed to implementing policies and programmes aimed at empowering women and ensuring the welfare of children in vulnerable households.
“This conference creates a vital platform for policy dialogue and strategic action,” she said.
“We believe the recommendations from this gathering will influence national decisions and drive positive change.”
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