Yesterday, 20th May, 2026, The Senator Representing Delta Central in the 10th Senate, Senator Ede Dafinone has called for greater harnessing of women’s leadership potential as a national development priority, in a goodwill message delivered at the young women’s leadership conference organized by the Citizens and Leadership Training Center, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
The conference held under the theme _Innovate, Influence, Impact - Accelerating Young Women’s Role in National Development_ and was convened by Hon. Rinsola Abiola, DG, CLTC.
The Senator, in his address, thanked the organisers, speakers, facilitators, and young women who attended the event. He commended participants for showing up and investing in their personal growth, noting that their presence was “an impressive statement of intent.” He stressed that women bring “depth of thought, fresh perspective, balance, resilience, and a seriousness of purpose” that are essential to solving complex problems and building stronger societies.
Senator Ede Dafinone noted that Nigeria has operated below its full potential for too long because the intelligence, creativity, strength, and leadership capacity of its women have not been fully harnessed.
“This is not simply a women’s issue. It is a national development issue, and one we must address with urgency,” his statement read.
The Senator urged attendees to use the conference to build lasting networks, emphasizing that leadership is sustained by mentorship, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. He expressed hope that discussions at the event would spark ideas leading to tangible impact in communities across the country.
“I stand with you in your pursuit of excellence,” he concluded. “I wish you a most inspiring and successful conference.”
The conference brought together young women from across Nigeria. Participants shared testimonies on the benefits of attending the previous edition and noted progress made in their chosen endeavors. A good number of participants also won ₦50,000 NANO support from Mr. Charles Odih, DG SMEDAN, who attended the event.
Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, gave the keynote address.
Hon. Olawande Ayodele, Hon. Minister of Youth Development; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO NIDCOM; Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives; Brig. Gen. O.O. Nafiu, DG NYSC; Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, DG NOA; and a host of others graced the impactful event.
