BENJAMINS-LANIYI HAILS FIRST LADY’S RENEWED HOPE INITIATIVE IN THE FCT AT VALEDICTORY SESSION IN HER HONOUR

By: Kemi Adeyemi

The outgoing pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Hon. Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has praised the impact of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a transformative programme that has brought relief and empowerment to vulnerable communities across the FCT.

Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi made the remarks during a valedictory session organised in her honour at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Abuja, following her appointment as Director-General of the Maryam Babangida Center for Women Development.

Speaking at the event, the former Mandate Secretary expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for the opportunity to serve and for establishing the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, a milestone she described as unprecedented in the history of the FCT Administration.

“I thank God for the privilege given to me by Mr. President and Her Excellency, the First Lady, through recommendation with commendation,” she said.

According to her, the establishment of the Secretariat created a platform to reach women, children and vulnerable groups across the six Area Councils, 62 wards, 17 chiefdoms and over 800 communities in the FCT.

She disclosed that through the Renewed Hope Initiative Programme of the First Lady, about 27,980 beneficiaries across the FCT had been reached through empowerment and support interventions.

“The Secretariat was created not just as an office, but as an intervention platform to spotlight vulnerable communities, including persons living in IDP camps, persons with disabilities, and underserved populations across the FCT,” she stated.

Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi also appreciated the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, members of the FCT Executive Committee, Mandate Secretaries, Permanent Secretaries, and management staff for their support during her tenure.

Reflecting on her leadership journey, she urged staff members to embrace teamwork, respect institutional procedures and maintain compassion towards vulnerable persons and junior staff.

“I came into public service as a learner before becoming a leader. Whatever differences may arise in service, they should be resolved with maturity and without unnecessary conflict,” she advised.

Earlier in her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Hajia Asmau Muktar Esq., commended the outgoing Mandate Secretary for fostering unity and professionalism within the Secretariat.

She described their working relationship as one built on mutual respect and understanding.

“We worked together as women supporting women. Any misunderstanding we had was resolved internally without affecting the system. That relationship contributed greatly to the successes recorded by the Secretariat,” she said.

Hajia Muktar assured Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi of the Secretariat’s continued support in her new assignment, expressing confidence that she would excel in her role as Director-General of the Women Development Centre.

Also highlighting the achievements of the outgoing Mandate Secretary, Head of SERVICOM in the Secretariat, Oba Parati, said Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi’s administration recorded significant milestones in women empowerment, child protection, social inclusion, and staff development.

He noted that the Secretariat under her leadership implemented skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support initiatives and interventions targeted at vulnerable groups, while also strengthening collaboration with development partners and government agencies.

“The Mandate Secretary demonstrated commitment to transparency, teamwork, and staff capacity building, while also creating a peaceful and inclusive working environment,” Parati stated.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Bunmi Olowookere, described Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi as a visionary and collaborative leader whose passion for service stood out throughout her tenure.

“Nigeria still needs her contributions. We are confident she will continue to deliver even greater impact at the national level,” she said.

Similarly, the Head, Child Department in the Secretariat, Idris Attah, praised the outgoing Mandate Secretary for her energy, accessibility and commitment to carrying everyone along in the discharge of her duties.

The valedictory session attracted senior government officials, staff members, and stakeholders from across the FCT Administration, who paid glowing tributes to Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi for laying a strong foundation for the newly established Women Affairs Secretariat.