Rinsola Abiola Assumes Office as CLTC’s First Female Director General
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| Rinsola Abiola |
Rinsola Abiola becomes the first female Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, marking a historic milestone in over 70 years.
Historic Appointment at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre
The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) has officially welcomed Hon. Rinsola Abiola as its first female Director General in over seven decades of existence. Her appointment, announced by President Bola Tinubu, represents a significant stride toward promoting gender equality in leadership within Nigeria’s public service.
Abiola assumed duty on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, just two days after her appointment. Upon arrival at the CLTC headquarters, she presented her appointment letter and immediately took charge, succeeding Adesoji Eniade, whose departure two months earlier led to two interim leadership transitions.
First Public Engagement as DG
Before formally resuming, Abiola made her first public appearance in her new role at the International Youth Day celebration, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. She represented CLTC with pride, aligning her presence with the Centre’s mission of youth empowerment and leadership development.
At the headquarters, the atmosphere was jubilant as staff gathered to celebrate the historic moment.
A Commitment to Youth and Women Empowerment
In her acceptance remarks, Abiola expressed deep appreciation to the President for the trust placed in her. She described the appointment as further proof of the administration’s dedication to empowering Nigerian youths and women.
She pledged to:
- Strengthen civic education and leadership training programs.
- Expand opportunities for women and underrepresented groups.
- Foster collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector.
Abiola also commended CLTC staff for their warm reception, emphasizing teamwork as a key driver of the Centre’s success.
Professional Background and Achievements
A strategic communication and government relations expert, Rinsola Abiola brings over a decade of multi-sector experience to her new role. She previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, where she championed initiatives that advanced political literacy and civic engagement.
Her career highlights include:
- Over 10 years working at the intersection of politics and civil society.
- Advocacy for the inclusion of marginalised groups in governance.
- International study programs in the United States, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
She holds a B.Sc. in Statistics, a Diploma in Public Relations, and is a certified public relations professional.
Significance of Her Appointment
Abiola’s appointment as the first female DG of CLTC is not only historic but also symbolic of Nigeria’s evolving leadership landscape. It aligns with global best practices promoting diversity and gender balance in leadership positions, as recognized by UN Women.
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