AWC Hails Tinubu on Leadership Appointments at Women Devt Centre

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Africa Women Conference (AWC) has described as a strong affirmation of competence, inclusivity, and commitment to women’s empowerment in Nigeria the move by President Bola Tinubu to appoint new leadership at the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.

In a statement yesterday on behalf of the group, the Convener of the Conference, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, congratulated Ms. Adedayo Benjamins Laniyi on her appointment as Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, as well as Princess Joan Jummai Idonije on her appointment as Chairman of the Governing Council.

The Conference said the appointments recognized years of dedication, leadership capacity, and consistent advocacy for women’s advancement and national development.

According to AWC, the two appointees had shown capacity for inclusive governance, mentorship, women empowerment, and social transformation qualities that align with the Centre’s mandate to promote gender equity and national development.

The group further noted that the appointments were particularly significant, given the long-standing support both women have offered to the Africa Women Conference initiative, which promotes women’s participation in governance, entrepreneurship, policy development, and sustainable development across Africa.

AWC also commended the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for what it described as her consistent efforts in promoting qualified women into strategic leadership positions, saying her leadership has strengthened women-focused institutions across the country.

AWC expressed confidence that the new leadership of the Centre would bring fresh ideas, strengthen institutional capacity, deepen partnerships, and deliver impactful programmes that will improve the welfare of women, children, families, and vulnerable groups nationwide.

Others on the newly constituted Governing Council were Ms. Lois Auta; Hon. Jamila Sarki; Aisha Baiyee; Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; and Hon. Princess Anne Agom-Ez.