May 15, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ms. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi as the new Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), alongside the reconstitution of the Governing Council of the Centre for an initial four-year tenure.
The appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni.
According to the statement, the appointments take effect from April 18, 2026, and are in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023.
President Tinubu also approved the constitution of the Governing Council of the Centre, with Princess Joan Jummai Idonije appointed as Chairman of the Council.
Other members of the Governing Council are Ms. Lois Auta, Hon. Jamila Sarki, Aisha Baiyee, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, and Hon. Princess Anne Agom-Eze.
The reconstitution of the board and appointment of a new management team are expected to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Centre and reposition it to deliver more effectively on its mandate of advancing women empowerment, gender inclusion, leadership development and socio-economic opportunities for women across the country.
Established to promote the advancement and welfare of women, the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development serves as a national hub for research, advocacy, policy development, training and programmes targeted at improving the status of women and girls in Nigeria.
Ms. Laniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership for the Centre, working with the Governing Council to expand programmes aimed at skills acquisition, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, education and advocacy for women and vulnerable groups.
The appointment comes at a time when the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen institutions focused on social development, human capital advancement and gender-responsive policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
While congratulating the newly appointed Director-General and members of the Governing Council, President Tinubu expressed confidence in their ability to reposition the Centre for greater impact and effective service delivery.
The President also extended his best wishes to the appointees as they begin the task of steering the affairs of the Centre over the next four years.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
