…new centre set to drive mentorship, skills development, community empowerment
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to advancing programmes that support women, strengthen families, and improve the lives of vulnerable groups across the country. 
She made the remarks during the inauguration of the Ene Obi Development Centre (EODC) on Tuesday in Abuja. The Minister described the new centre as a significant step forward in efforts to create better opportunities for Nigerian women, girls, families, and those in need.
According to her, the centre’s focus on training, skills development, and support services reflects the broader belief that education, practical knowledge, and consistent effort can bring about meaningful change.
She said: “The Federal Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, improve family life, and uplift the most vulnerable in our society. I believe this centre has the potential to be a game changer in our collective efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“At the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, our doors are open. You have my support always. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this centre will have on the lives of women and girls across Nigeria”.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, called on the government to protect civic freedoms, uphold human rights, and create spaces for public participation.
He appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seat Bill and encouraged civil society organisations to remain courageous and united in defending the interests of ordinary Nigerians.
“Silence is not an option. I call on women and youth to lift their voices and assert their leadership. Nigeria needs your courage. I also urge development partners to invest in institutions like the EODC to drive community development and social justice,” Igbuzor said.
Also speaking, former First Lady of Imo State, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha, praised Ene Obi as a passionate Nigerian and strong believer in the potential of Nigerian women.
She said Nigeria remains a great country with enormous potential.
“The world is waiting for this nation to take its rightful place. With women like Ene Obi and many other great women and men here we can drive the change Nigeria needs,” she stated.
Country Representative of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described Obi as “bold, fearless, compassionate, and dogged always speaking truth to power.”
He said ActionAid is proud to partner with the EODC, noting that the organisation aims to help lift five million Nigerians out of poverty within the next nine years.
“There is no way we can achieve this without working with institutions like the EODC. We look forward to deeper collaboration,” he said.
In her remarks, the founder of the EODC, Mrs Ene Obi, explained that the inauguration signalled the start of a long-planned effort to provide meaningful support for women and young people.
She highlighted that the centre will place strong emphasis on mentorship for young Nigerians and Africans, particularly young women who continue to face obstacles that limit their opportunities.
“Every day in Nigeria, we witness brilliance, resilience, and potential but we also see the struggles. Barriers keep young people from opportunities; inequalities limit women; systems fail communities; and social injustices silence the vulnerable.
“This centre was created to address these issues. We exist to champion gender equality, strengthen governance and human rights, support youth leadership, promote equity, and ensure that marginalised groups are not forgotten,” she said.
Obi stressed that the EODC will design programmes that transform lives and stimulate community growth, while advancing transparency, accountability, and the well-being of women and vulnerable populations.
She therefore called for strong collaboration, urging government agencies, development partners, academia, and the private sector to support the centre and also hold it accountable in delivering on its mandate.
