Citizenship & Leadership Training Centre

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre has received with grave concern reports of the tragic death of Cadet Chinedu Chibuzor Christogonus, a 100-level student at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, the FUTO community, and all who knew him.

As the supervisory authority over Man O' War Nigeria and all its formations, CLTC has commenced an administrative investigation into this incident and is committed to supporting the full course of justice.

The alleged conduct is a flagrant violation of everything our mandate stands for, and it will not go unanswered. The reform of Man O' War Nigeria, including its campus formations under the NUMOWCHIN, is central to our agenda, and this tragedy makes that work more urgent than ever.

CLTC Conference Inspires Young Women to Influence Change and Drive Impact

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) recently hosted the third edition of the Young Women Leadership Conference in Abuja, reaffirming its commitment to empowering young women as catalysts for national development.

The conference, themed “Innovate, Influence, Impact: Accelerating Young Women’s Roles in National Development,” brought together young women, policymakers, development partners, and industry leaders to inspire leadership, entrepreneurship, and active civic participation.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of CLTC, Rinsola Abiola, described innovation and influence as essential tools for transformative leadership rather than mere buzzwords. She noted that Nigeria’s current challenges demand creative thinking, resilience, and courageous leadership, adding that young women are strategically positioned to contribute meaningfully to national progress.

According to her, the conference was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, mentorship opportunities, and financial support to strengthen their businesses and leadership aspirations. She disclosed that more than 1,500 young women have benefited from the initiative over the past two years through access to skills development, networking opportunities, confidence-building, and entrepreneurial support.

Also speaking at the conference, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, emphasized the significance of the conference theme, describing it as one that aligns closely with national development priorities. She urged young women to actively participate in governance and nation-building by leveraging competence, credibility, and leadership to influence positive outcomes in society.

The conference featured notable dignitaries, including the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Onilu, and the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Charles Odii.

In her remarks, the Director of Operations and Rescue Department, Alero Abokwara-Adjekota, stressed the need to empower women in order to build a stronger nation. She highlighted the unique strengths of women, particularly their ability to multitask and contribute effectively across different sectors of society.

The event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, development partners, and young women from across the country, who participated both physically and virtually.

YWLC 2026 Highlights Mentorship as Catalyst for Women’s Leadership

Mentorship took center stage at the 2026 Young Women’s Leadership Conference ( ) organized by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) in Abuja.

Speakers including Hadiza Bala-Usman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi and Dr. Alero Abokwara-Adjekota called on women leaders to intentionally mentor, sponsor, and create opportunities for younger women to thrive in leadership and national development.

The conference highlighted the importance of integrity, resilience, collaboration, and structured mentorship in preparing the next generation of female leaders.

Women’s inclusion in leadership is key to Nigeria’s growth and innovation.

Speaking at the Young Women’s Leadership Conference 2026 in Abuja, Hadiza Bala-Usman urged stronger policies, opportunities, and support systems to empower women in governance and enterprise, while CLTC DG Rinsola Abiola reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to nurturing future female leaders.

The conference attracted over 3,000 participants physically and virtually under the theme: “Innovate, Influence, Impact: Accelerating Young Women’s Roles in National Development.”

SMEDAN Boosts Creative Entrepreneurs with Grants, Equipment, Export Opportunities

SMEDAN has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s creative industries through grants, free business registration, access to modern equipment, enterprise training, and export opportunities.

Speaking at the Young Women Leadership Conference 2026, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, highlighted ongoing efforts to support women-led businesses in fashion, crafts, culinary arts, entertainment, and other creative sectors.

He disclosed that SMEDAN is partnering with organizations including the ECOWAS Parliament, ProvidusBank, GIG Logistics, and NIPOST to boost market access, reduce logistics costs, and equip entrepreneurs with export skills through the T2T (Train to Trade) programme.

Odii also revealed that 70 Nigerian women entrepreneurs recently participated in an international trade programme in the United Kingdom, while 12 nano businesses received grants of ₦50,000 each during the conference.

The Young Women Leadership Conference 2026 was organized by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) under the leadership of Rinsola Abiola in collaboration with strategic partners committed to women empowerment and enterprise development.

CLTC, African Women Leaders Network Partner to Advance Women’s Leadership Development

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) has signed a one-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Nigeria Chapter, to strengthen mentorship, civic participation, and leadership development for young Nigerian women.

The partnership, signed during the 2026 Young Women Leadership Conference in Abuja, will provide year-round mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities for participants beyond the conference period.

peaking at the event, the Director General of CLTC, Rinsola Abiola, noted that the initiative is focused on intergenerational mentorship and increasing young women’s participation in governance aSpeaking at the event, the Director General of CLTC, Rinsola Abiola, noted that the initiative is focused on intergenerational mentorship and increasing young women’s participation in governance a nation-building.

Participants of the conference, both virtual and physical, will be eligible for selection into the mentorship programme.

CLTC remains committed to empowering young women to innovate, influence, and make meaningful impact in national development.

Some of the beneficiaries of the 2nd edition of the Young Women Leadership Conference ( ) shared testimonies of the empowerment received last year and the remarkable progress recorded in their businesses.

They all commended the Convener of the Conference, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, for her generosity and commitment to empowering young women across Nigeria.

When women lead businesses, jobs are created. When women sit at the table where policy is made, the policies that emerge are more representative and more responsive.
- Rinsola Abiola, DG, CLTC

The Young Women Leadership Conference (YWLC) 2026 organized by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) has officially commenced in Abuja.

A DAY TO GO!

Join inspiring leaders and changemakers at the Young Women Leadership Conference 2026 ( ), organized by the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), as we empower young women for purposeful leadership, innovation, and national development.

We are honoured to host distinguished Special Guests including Dr. Titilope Gbadamosi, Special Assistant to the President on Youth Initiatives; Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission; Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA); and Brig. Gen. O. O. Nafiu, Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Their presence reflects a strong commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development, and nation-building. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by some of Nigeria’s leading voices shaping the future.

📍 Venue: Abuja
📅 Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026