NCWS Partners with Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre to Empower Women Leaders for a Sustainable Future
In a bold step toward strengthening women’s leadership capacity across Nigeria, the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) in collaboration with the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (C<C) successfully held a five-day Women Leadership Course Training from Sunday, October 5th to Thursday, October 9th, 2025, at the NITEL Training School, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Cappa, Oshodi, Lagos.
Themed “Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future: Leadership Skills for Today’s Challenges,” the training brought together 428 women leaders from six states; Akwa Ibom, Delta, Plateau, Lagos, Borno, and Oyo — comprising female local government chairmen and vice chairmen, wives of political office holders, commissioners, councilors, women development officers, and NCWS members.
Building Women for Leadership and Sustainability.
The week-long program, jointly facilitated by experts from C<C and NCWS, was designed to equip participants with practical leadership tools, financial literacy skills, mentorship guidance, and self-development strategies.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Jemisaiye T. Abiodun, Coordinator of the Women Training School, emphasized the centre’s commitment to nurturing women who can lead with vision and integrity. “Empowering women to take leadership roles is crucial for fostering inclusive and equitable societies,” she said.
The training featured a rich blend of lectures, group sessions, and practical demonstrations covering topics such as Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Future, Eradication of Child Labour and Trafficking, Financial Literacy and Economic Independence, Poise and Etiquette, Mental Health and Depression, Mentorship and Coaching, and Home Gardening/Backyard Farming.
Each session provided actionable insights aimed at helping participants translate learning into real community impact.
Princess Edna D.D. Azura’s Call to Action
Represented by Mrs. Adenike Opebi, the NCWS National President, Princess Edna D.D. Azura, delivered a compelling address that resonated deeply with participants.
She noted that in an era marked by rapid technological advancement and social transformation, women must rise to the challenge of leadership with resilience, innovation, and unity.
“Empowering women is not merely an act of equity; it is a strategic imperative for sustainability,” she said.
“When women lead, economies flourish, and societies advance. Through programs like this, we are not only investing in individual capacity but in Nigeria’s collective progress.”
Princess Azura further emphasized that leadership development must go hand-in-hand with digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. She urged participants to leverage the training as a springboard for mentoring other women, advocating policy reforms, and fostering inclusive community development.
“Let us support one another, amplify our voices, and work tirelessly towards a Nigeria where women are at the forefront of sustainable development,” she concluded.
Practical Empowerment Beyond the Classroom
Participants were exposed to hands-on sessions on smoothie and chapman production, basic entrepreneurial practices, and home gardening to enhance economic self-reliance.
The atmosphere throughout the program was one of camaraderie and collaboration, a blend of learning, exercise, networking, and recreation.
Beyond the classroom, women engaged in team-building exercises, aerobics, and leadership simulations, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not just learned but lived.
The session on Financial Literacy, for instance, underscored the link between economic independence and informed decision-making, teaching women how to manage income, debt, and investment wisely.
Closing on a High Note
At the closing ceremony, Princess Azura (represented by Mrs. Opebi) lauded the women for their discipline and active participation, urging them to cascade their newfound knowledge to others in their states and communities.
On behalf of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Mrs. Abiodun expressed appreciation to the NCWS leadership for their continued collaboration, before officially declaring the training closed.
“Leadership is a journey, not a title,” she said. “We look forward to seeing these women take their rightful places as catalysts for national transformation.”
A Renewed Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
The NCWS, under the leadership of Princess Edna D.D. Azura, continues to demonstrate its resolve to empower Nigerian women through advocacy, training, and mentorship.
The Lagos training, coming at a time when leadership accountability and economic sustainability are national priorities, reaffirmed NCWS’s role as a unifying force in promoting gender equity and transformative leadership across Nigeria.
As participants departed with certificates and renewed energy, one thing was certain, the ripple effects of this program would be felt across states, communities, and institutions in the months ahead.
NCWS Nigeria,
Media Unit.
