The Federal Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening programmes that support women’s empowerment, families, and vulnerable groups as the Ene Obi Development Centre was officially inaugurated in Abuja. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the centre as a transformative space designed to equip women and girls with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive. She commended the initiative as a beacon of hope and an important driver of gender equality and socioeconomic growth for disadvantaged groups.
“With its focus on training, skills acquisition and support services, this centre reflects the power of education and resilience in driving positive change,” she said. She added that the Federal Government remains committed to programmes that uplift women, strengthen families and support vulnerable Nigerians. According to her, the centre will play a significant role in advancing collective efforts toward gender equality and women’s development. Sulaiman-Ibrahim also noted that the Ministry is open to partnerships, stressing that collaboration is essential for creating long-term impact.
The Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, urged the government to protect civic freedoms, uphold human rights and expand platforms for public participation. He called on the National Assembly to fast-track the Reserved Seats Bill and encouraged civil society organisations to stay united in amplifying the struggles of everyday Nigerians.
“Silence is no longer an option,” he said. “Women and young people must raise their voices and take their rightful place in leadership. Development partners should also invest in institutions like EODC that drive community transformation and social justice.”
Former First Lady of Imo State, Mrs. Ngozi Okorocha, praised the founder, Mrs. Ene Obi, describing her as a patriotic and passionate leader dedicated to advancing the rights of women. She said Nigeria’s global relevance continues to grow because of individuals who are committed to championing change. ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Representative, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, also commended Obi, describing her as bold, compassionate and fearless in speaking truth to power.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to collaborate with the centre as it works toward lifting five million Nigerians out of poverty over the next nine years. “There is no way we can meet our targets without partnering with institutions like EODC,” he said.
The Founder of EODC, Mrs. Ene Obi, said the launch of the centre marked the completion of a journey that started many years ago. She explained that her work with women and young people exposed her to the resilience and potential that often remain untapped because of systemic barriers. “These barriers keep young people from reaching their full potential, perpetuate gender inequality, weaken communities, and silence the vulnerable,” she said.
She noted that the centre was created to address these challenges by promoting gender equality, strengthening governance and human rights, supporting youth leadership and ensuring that marginalised groups are not left behind. Obi encouraged collaboration from government, development partners, academia and the private sector and urged stakeholders to hold the centre accountable as it works toward its mission.
