Biography: Rinsola Abiola
Family & Background
Rinsola Abiola is the daughter of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the acclaimed winner of Nigeria’s annulled 1993 presidential election and symbol of the pro-democracy movement Raised in Abeokuta, she grew up without her father—who died in custody—fueled by the enduring legacy he left behind
Education & Early Career
She earned a BSc in Statistics and holds a Diploma in Public Relations Professionally, she began as Special Assistant on New Media to the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives (Eighth Assembly), leveraging digital platforms to enhance civic engagement
Advocacy & Political Engagement
Rinsola has been deeply involved in youth and women’s empowerment. She was a founding member of the APC’s Young Women Forum, serving as Secretary and President, and became the youngest female youth representative on the party’s Board of Trustees. In 2022, she sought to become the first female National Youth Leader of the APC a landmark move in party history
She founded and currently leads the Progressive Sisters’ Network (PSN), a grassroots women-focused support initiative with chapters across all 36 states plus the FCT . Additionally, she established the Derinsola Abiola Foundation—driving scholarships and empowerment programs in Abeokuta and beyond
Rinsola also volunteers as a facilitator at The Electoral College Nigeria, promoting youth political engagement and civic education
International Exposure & Accolades
Her global loop includes study visits such as the International Visitor Leadership Program (US), engagements in Sweden via the Swedish Embassy, and sessions in the UK sponsored by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy A 2019 UN Women Beijing Eaglet/Intergenerational Mentee, she further served on the World Youth Movement for Democracy’s advisory board (Africa region) from 2019 to 2020
Government Roles
In November 2023, Rinsola was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, a role aligning closely with youth, civic, and leadership development efforts In August 2025, she was elevated to Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC)—highlighting her continued prominence in governance
Advocacy for Young Women in Leadership
At the Beyond Boundaries Young Women’s Leadership Conference (2025), she emphasized shifting from advocacy to actual leadership access for young women. She commended President Tinubu for supporting their advancement and encouraged young women to take on roles in public service to shape policy and drive national development
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parentage | Daughter of MKO Abiola |
| Education | BSc in Statistics; Diploma in PR |
| Early Career | SSA on New Media to Speaker of House |
| Advocacy Roles | Youth & women empowerment; founded PSN and Derinsola Abiola Foundation |
| Political Milestone | First female aspirant for APC National Youth Leader |
| Global Engagements | US, Sweden, UK programs; UN Women mentee; World Youth Movement board |
| Government Roles | SSA (Citizenship & Leadership); DG, CLTC |
| Recent Advocacy | Empowering young women into leadership roles |