Tinubu Appoints Adedayo Laniyi as Director-General of National Women Development Centre

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Adedayo Laniyi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development. This appointment, which took effect from April 18, 2026, is in line with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023. It's a move that's expected to promote women's empowerment and socio-economic development in Nigeria.

The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana. According to a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Chris Ugwuegbulam, the President also approved the constitution of the Governing Council of the centre, with Princess Joan Jummai Idonije as chairman. They're a team that's tasked with overseeing the centre's activities.

Other members of the council include Ms. Lois Auta, Hon. Jamila Sarki, Aisha Baiyee, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, and Hon. Princess Anne Agom-Eze.

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development was established to promote women empowerment, gender equality, and socio-economic development for women across the country. The centre serves as a national institution for research, training, and advocacy on women-related issues and programmes. It's an institution that's crucial for addressing women's issues in Nigeria.

The President wished the new Director-General and members of the Governing Council success in their respective roles, as stated in the appointment letter. He didn't specify what he expects them to achieve, but it's clear that they've got a tough job ahead. They won't be able to do it alone, though - they'll need to work with other organisations and government agencies.

Adedayo Laniyi's appointment as the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development is a move that's expected to drive the centre's mission forward. With her experience and expertise, she's expected to make a real difference in the lives of women in Nigeria. The centre's programmes and initiatives will focus on education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and political participation, among others. They're areas that are critical for women's empowerment and socio-economic development.

The appointment of the Governing Council members, including Princess Joan Jummai Idonije as chairman, brings together a team of experienced and dedicated individuals. They'll oversee the centre's activities and ensure its objectives are met. The council's composition reflects the diversity and richness of Nigerian women's experiences and perspectives, which will be crucial in shaping the centre's policies and programmes. They're a team that's well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.

As the new Director-General and the Governing Council begin their tenure, they'll face the challenge of addressing the persistent gender disparities and inequalities that exist in Nigeria. The centre's success will depend on its ability to collaborate with government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector. They'll need to work together to create an enabling environment for women's empowerment and development. It won't be easy, but it's not impossible either.

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development has a long history of promoting women's rights and empowerment in Nigeria. Established in honour of Maryam Babangida, the wife of former Nigerian President Ibrahim Babangida, the centre has been at the forefront of advocacy and research on women's issues. The centre's work has focused on areas such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, and has provided a platform for women to voice their concerns and aspirations. It's a platform that's essential for women's empowerment in Nigeria.

The appointment of Adedayo Laniyi as the Director-General and the constitution of the Governing Council mark a new chapter in the centre's history. With the support of the President and the Federal Government, the centre is poised to play an even more critical role in promoting women's empowerment and socio-economic development in Nigeria. As the country continues to face the challenges of gender inequality and social injustice, the centre's work will be more important than ever. They won't be able to solve all the problems, but they can make a difference.

The centre's objectives are clear: they want to promote women empowerment, gender equality, and socio-economic development for women across Nigeria. They've got a tough job ahead, but they're not alone. They've got the support of the government and other organisations, and they've got the expertise and experience to make a real difference. The centre serves as a national institution for research, training, and advocacy on women-related issues and programmes. It's an institution that's crucial for addressing women's issues in Nigeria.

The road ahead for the centre will require collaboration, dedication, and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable society for all Nigerians. Adedayo Laniyi and the Governing Council will be expected to drive the centre's mission forward. They'll need to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women and girls across the country. They won't be able to do it alone, though - they'll need to work with other organisations and government agencies. They'll need to be dedicated and committed to their mission, and they'll need to be willing to collaborate with others.

It's a tough job, but it's not impossible. They've got the expertise and experience to make a real difference, and they've got the support of the government and other organisations.