In furtherance of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, gender equity, and institutional strengthening, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has sponsored women officers from the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning to participate in an international capacity-building programme in Doha, Qatar.
The officers are participating in an International Management and Leadership Masterclass organized by the World Institute for Gender Studies (WIGS), a leading institution dedicated to gender-focused research, education, and leadership development, with a mission to foster critical thinking, promote social justice, and empower marginalized groups.
Speaking on the initiative, the Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, described the sponsorship as a strategic investment in human capital and institutional excellence.
“This programme reflects the deliberate commitment of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to building a competent, inclusive and reform-driven public service.
Empowering women is strategic. When women are equipped with global exposure, leadership skills, and professional confidence, the entire public system becomes stronger, more responsive, and more effective,” the Commissioner stated.
Welcoming participants, the Facilitator and Chief Host, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, said the masterclass was born out of the conviction that “the future of Nigeria’s public service cannot be fully realized without the strategic leadership of competent, confident and transformational women.”
Dr. Nwankwo noted that despite women’s growing presence in governance, structural, cultural, and institutional limitations continue to hinder their full potential. He explained that the programme was therefore designed to help women break barriers and lead with greater influence, competence, and impact.
He added that Doha was deliberately chosen to expose participants to an international learning environment that inspires excellence and global thinking. The training, he said, will engage participants with global ideas, practical tools, and cutting-edge leadership insights to better equip them to drive reforms, influence policy, manage institutions effectively, and deliver superior public service outcomes upon their return to Nigeria.
In her welcome address, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of WIGS, Mrs. Stella Okeke, described the programme as another milestone in strengthening the capacity, confidence, and competence of women leaders in Nigeria’s public service.
She explained that the programme, themed “Leading Beyond Limits: Transformational Leadership for Women in Nigeria’s Public Service,” reflects WIGS’ firm belief that empowered women leaders are critical to effective governance and sustainable national development.
Participants sponsored by the Kogi State Government,include Princess Funsho Sumanu, Public Relations Officer, and Miss Blessing Ekele, Administrative Officer,
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Princess Sumanu expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Government for the opportunity.
“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, for this rare opportunity to gain global exposure and practical leadership skills.
This training has broadened our perspective, strengthened our confidence, and equipped us to return to Nigeria, better prepared to contribute more effectively to public service delivery and institutional reforms within the Ministry,” she said.
Governor Ododo’s continued support for women-focused capacity building underscores his administration’s commitment to empowering women, strengthening public institutions, and delivering a professional, inclusive, and results-driven public service in Kogi State.
Princess Funsho Sumanu
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning
