In what many disability rights advocates and inclusion stakeholders have described as a landmark moment for inclusive governance in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of prominent disability inclusion advocate, Lois Auta, as a member of the Governing Council of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development.
The appointment was announced alongside the naming of Ms. Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi as the new Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, a move that has continued to generate reactions from women groups, disability organizations and policy advocates across Nigeria.
For many stakeholders in the disability community, however, the inclusion of Lois Auta on the Governing Council stands out as one of the most significant highlights of the new appointments, especially at a time when advocates continue to demand greater representation of Persons With Disabilities in leadership and decision-making positions.
The appointments were disclosed in a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Chris Ugwuegbulam.
According to the statement, the appointment of Benjamin-Laniyi as DG/CEO of the Centre takes effect from April 18, 2026, for an initial term of four years, in line with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023.
The statement further revealed that President Tinubu approved the constitution of the Governing Council of the Centre with Princess Joan Jummai Idonije as Chairman, while other members include Lois Auta, Hon. Jamila Sarki, Aisha Baiyee, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas and Hon. Princess Anne Agom-Eze.
The appointment of Lois Auta has been widely celebrated by disability advocates who described it as a bold and encouraging step toward mainstreaming disability inclusion in governance and women development policies in Nigeria.
As a woman with disability who has spent years advocating for equal rights, accessibility and empowerment of women and girls with disabilities, Lois Auta has become one of the leading voices for inclusion in Nigeria and beyond.
She is the founder of the Network of Women with Disabilities and has consistently championed initiatives focused on economic empowerment, education, leadership opportunities and social inclusion for Persons With Disabilities, particularly women and girls who often face multiple layers of discrimination.
Stakeholders say her appointment sends a powerful message that women with disabilities are not merely beneficiaries of policies but are qualified leaders capable of shaping policies and contributing meaningfully to national development.
Advocates also believe her presence on the board of the Centre could help strengthen conversations around accessible infrastructure, inclusive programming and equitable opportunities for marginalized women in Nigeria.
Several disability rights groups noted that the appointment aligns with the spirit of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which promote inclusion and participation of Persons With Disabilities in governance and public life.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Ms. Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi as Director-General has also been applauded by many women groups and development stakeholders.
Benjamin-Laniyi, a respected women advocate and public administrator, previously served as Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, where she championed several initiatives targeted at women empowerment, family welfare and social inclusion.
Her leadership style and advocacy-driven approach earned her recognition among grassroots women groups and civil society organizations, especially for her commitment toward ensuring vulnerable groups, including women with disabilities, are not left behind in government programs.
Observers believe that the combination of Benjamin-Laniyi’s leadership and the inclusion of advocates like Lois Auta on the Governing Council could usher in a new era of inclusive policies and stronger institutional support for women development in Nigeria.
Political analysts have also described the newly constituted board as a blend of advocacy, experience and public service capable of repositioning the Centre for greater impact in advancing gender equality, women empowerment and social inclusion.
President Tinubu, while congratulating the new Director-General and members of the Governing Council, expressed confidence in their ability to reposition the Centre and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development remains one of Nigeria’s foremost institutions dedicated to promoting the welfare, advancement and empowerment of women through advocacy, training, research and capacity-building initiatives.
For many Nigerians, particularly within the disability community, the appointment of Lois Auta represents more than just a political nomination; it symbolizes hope, representation and growing recognition that inclusive governance is essential for national progress.
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