In a historic move that signals a renewed focus on youth empowerment and inclusion, Rinsola Abiola has officially assumed office as the first female Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) in its over 70-year history.
Abiola, a prominent advocate for youth and women’s inclusion in governance, resumed duty at the Centre’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
Her assumption of office ends a leadership vacuum at the agency, which had been managed by two acting DGs following the exit of Adesoji Eniade, two months ago.
Addressing staff during a warm reception at the CLTC headquarters, Abiola pledged to reposition the Centre to better serve Nigerian youth.
She stated that her appointment was a clear signal of President Tinubu’s commitment to empowering the younger generation and promoting gender equity.
She said, “This is not just a personal milestone, but a call to duty. “President Tinubu’s decision to entrust a young woman with this role is a strong message about inclusion.
“I intend to use this platform to expand opportunities for young Nigerians across the country.”
A seasoned professional in strategic communications and government relations, Abiola brings over a decade of experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
She previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership and has long been active at the intersection of politics and civil society.
Abiola has been championing civic education, political literacy, and the inclusion of marginalised voices in governance.
She is also the founder of the Derinsola Abiola Foundation, a grassroots initiative that has provided empowerment support to hundreds of women and young people in Ogun State.
Her volunteer work with The Electoral College Nigeria and past service on the advisory board of the World Youth Movement for Democracy (Africa Region) further reflect her commitment to youth development and democratic participation.
Abiola’s academic credentials include a B.Sc in Statistics and a Diploma in Public Relations, alongside participation in international leadership and civic training programmes in the United States, Sweden, and the UK.
Her first public appearance as Director General was at the International Youth Day celebration hosted by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, where she reiterated her commitment to leveraging the CLTC’s mandate to foster leadership skills, civic responsibility, and national unity among Nigerian youth.
The CLTC, established in 1951, plays a critical role in training young Nigerians through leadership camps, civic engagement initiatives, and citizenship education.
Sunday Aborisade
Follow us on: