Meet Adedayo Laniyi, Tinubu’s New DG of National Women Centre

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.

Her appointment takes effect from April 18, 2026, and runs for an initial term of four years. The appointment also comes with the constitution of a new Governing Council for the centre.

Laniyi’s appointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The letter was issued through the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana.

According to the statement, Tinubu approved the appointment in line with Section 7(1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development Amendment Act, 2023.

New leadership for women development centre

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development plays a key role in promoting women’s empowerment, gender equality and socio-economic development in Nigeria.

The centre also serves as a national platform for research, training and advocacy on issues affecting women across the country.

With Laniyi’s appointment, the Tinubu administration has moved to strengthen leadership at the institution as it pushes wider reforms around inclusion, women’s participation and national development.

Governing Council also named

Tinubu also approved Princess Joan Jummai Idonije as Chairman of the Governing Council.

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

The council will support the centre’s leadership in shaping programmes, policy direction and institutional priorities over the next four years.

Who is Adedayo Laniyi?

Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi is associated with women-focused public service, advocacy and political participation.

Before this appointment, she served as Mandate Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Women Affairs Secretariat, a role she assumed in 2023.

Her new role places her at the head of one of Nigeria’s most visible federal institutions dedicated to women’s development.

Tinubu congratulates appointees

President Tinubu congratulated Laniyi and members of the Governing Council, while wishing them success in their new roles.

The appointment adds another layer to the administration’s women development agenda, especially at a time when calls for stronger female representation, economic inclusion and gender-focused policy action remain high across Nigeria.