The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) for its pivotal role as Nigeria’s intellectual power house.

According to The Nation, Tinubu stated this on Tuesday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, while donating N250 million to the institute’s new centre named after her, The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Centre for Gender Equality and Sustainable Development.

The First Lady described the NIPSS as a beacon of intellectual excellence and strategic leadership in the country.

Addressing stakeholders and 96 participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47 of the institute, Mrs Tinubu said: “I am delighted to join you today at this renowned institution — the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) – a beacon of intellectual excellence and strategic leadership in our nation.

“I thank the board and management of NIPSS for inviting me to be part of today’s event. Since its establishment in 1979, the institute has remained Nigeria’s intellectual powerhouse — shaping policies, refining leadership, and driving national conversations.

“The establishment of this Gender Centre represents a bold step towards bringing gender issues to the forefront of national development. This project would not have become a reality without the foresight of participants of the Senior Executive Course 45 (2023), who conceived, funded, and executed what we are witnessing today. Your contribution will leave a lasting legacy on our nation’s landscape.

“The vision of this centre aligns perfectly with one of the key priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — to harness the full potential of all citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or economic status.”

The First Lady stressed that the objectives of the centre also reflected Nigeria’s commitment under the National Gender Policy (2006), as well as global frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 5 and SDG 16), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“Furthermore, when women are empowered, the whole society prospers. I am particularly pleased that the centre’s approach includes both men and women — recognising that inclusion must be a shared national agenda. True progress comes when both genders stand as allies, working together to dismantle stereotypes, open opportunities, and strengthen our shared humanity.

“To the future scholars, policymakers, and leaders who will pass through this Gender Centre, I say: let it stand as a hub of ideas and action — where innovation blends with empathy, and where policies are forged with wisdom and compassion.

“May this centre serve as a model of excellence for gender-focused policymakers and leaders — nurturing ideas that advance gender awareness, research, and gender-sensitive policymaking in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.

“I am deeply humbled by your decision to name this Gender Centre in my honour, and I sincerely thank you for this recognition.

“May this centre stand as a lasting symbol of our collective resolve to build a stronger, more equitable, and more prosperous Nigeria.”

The chief host and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said, “I want to sincerely thank Mr President for appointing another great Nigerian and statesman as Chairman of the Board of this institute. With his wealth of experience and network, and with the strong support of our mother, the First Lady, the NIPSS will continue to rise to greater heights.”

Governor Mutfwang, who announced the donation of a vehicle to the centre, prayed for the success of President Tinubu and the First Lady.

The Director General of the NIPSS, Dr Ayo Omotayo, explained that the centre’s mission is to promote gender equity, empowerment, and security through research, capacity development, and partnerships.

“It offers a range of academic and professional programmes, such as the Gender, Governance and Leadership course; Gender and Development course; Gender, Peace and Security course; and Gender and Public Policy course. These initiatives are already shaping a new generation of gender-aware leaders who are committed to promoting equity and social inclusion in all spheres of national development.

“We are also proud of the centre’s forward-looking initiatives, including the proposed First Lady Peace Summit and the Women Achievers Compendium, which will celebrate women’s contributions to national and community development while fostering collaboration among African women.”