NILDS Director Wins International Leadership Award, Dedicates Honour to Mentors, Institutional Reforms

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja 

The Director of Training and International Cooperation at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Joke Akinsanmi, has secured a prestigious Leadership Award from the Advanced Management Academy in recognition of her outstanding contributions to leadership and professional development.

The academy conferred the award on Friday at its International Women’s Day Conference themed, “Taking Action for Justice and the Rights of Women and Girls,” spotlighting Akinsanmi’s growing influence in governance, communications, and institutional capacity building.

Akinsanmi, according to a statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Media Officer of NILDS, Dr. Adebayo Jimoh, after receiving the honour, expressed appreciation to the organisers, stating the recognition comes with renewed responsibility to deepen her impact in public service and leadership development.

She said, “I accept this award with humility and a deep sense of responsibility. It is not mine alone. I dedicate it first to Almighty God and to the memory of my late father, Chief Bayo Ige. 

“I also dedicate it to the former Minister of National Planning and Director-General of NILDS, Abubakar O. Sulaiman, whose visionary leadership continues to drive institutional reforms and strengthen accountability across our regional efforts.”

Akinsanmi has built a reputation as a seasoned media and communication strategist, with more than two decades of experience spanning corporate communications, multimedia journalism, public relations, and organisational development. 

Her career trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to excellence, strategic leadership, and the advancement of democratic ideals.

Her contributions have earned her widespread recognition within professional and policy circles. 

In 2024, she received national acclaim when The Guardian named her among Nigeria’s 25 most exceptional and value-adding female professionals, underscoring her role in mentoring emerging talents and promoting women’s leadership in corporate governance and public service.

An Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Akinsanmi combines a strong academic background in mass communication with hands-on experience in electoral processes and party politics. 

Her work has consistently focused on delivering accurate, objective, and insightful analysis of democratic and electoral systems, contributing to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria and across the region.

At NILDS, the research and training arm of the National Assembly, she plays a pivotal role in strengthening legislative capacity, promoting institutional reforms, and fostering international partnerships. 

Her leadership in the Training and International Cooperation Department has expanded the institute’s reach in capacity building and policy research, positioning it as a key player in democratic governance in Africa.