President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi as the new Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.
The appointment, which takes effect from April 18, 2026, will run for an initial term of four years.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Information and Public Relations of the centre, Chris Ugwuegbulam.
According to the statement, the appointment was conveyed in an official 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.
The statement explained that the appointment was made in line with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023.
“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Ms. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development and the members of the Governing Council for an initial term of four years,” the statement read in part.
“The appointment, which takes effect from April 18, 2026, is in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023.”
Apart from appointing the new Director-General, President Tinubu also approved the constitution of the Governing Council of the centre.
Princess Joan Jummai Idonije was named chairman of the council.
Other members appointed into the council include Ms. Lois Auta, Hon. Jamila Sarki, Aisha Baiyee, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas and Hon. Princess Anne Agom-Eze.
The President congratulated the newly appointed Director-General and members of the Governing Council and wished them success in their assignments.
The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development is one of Nigeria’s leading government institutions focused on promoting women empowerment, gender equality and the welfare of women and children.
The centre was established in 1992 during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida and named after his late wife, Maryam Babangida, who was widely known for her Better Life for Rural Women programme.
Over the years, the centre has played a major role in research, advocacy, training and policy development relating to women’s rights, economic empowerment and social inclusion.
It has also partnered with government agencies, civil society groups and international organisations on programmes aimed at improving the lives of women across Nigeria.
Women groups in Nigeria have repeatedly called for stronger government policies to support female entrepreneurs, improve maternal healthcare and increase women’s participation in politics and leadership positions.
Despite gradual progress over the years, women are still underrepresented in many areas of public life, especially elective political offices.
Nigeria continues to record low female representation in the National Assembly and other levels of government compared to several other African countries.
Advocates for women development have also pushed for more investment in girl-child education, protection against gender-based violence and economic support programmes for rural women.
The administration of President Tinubu has repeatedly pledged commitment to gender inclusion and women empowerment since assuming office in 2023.
Several women have been appointed into strategic government positions under the current administration, although advocacy groups continue to demand greater female representation in governance.
The appointment of Adedayo Laniyi is expected to bring fresh leadership to the centre as the government seeks to strengthen programmes targeted at women development and social welfare.
Although details of her plans for the centre have not yet been made public, stakeholders are expected to watch closely to see how the new management will address existing challenges facing women across the country.
There are also expectations that the new leadership will strengthen partnerships with local and international organisations working on women-focused programmes.
The governing council inaugurated alongside the Director-General is expected to provide policy direction and oversight for the activities of the centre during the tenure of the new administration.
For many Nigerians, especially women advocacy groups, the appointments represent another opportunity to strengthen national conversations around gender equality, women empowerment and inclusive development.