… Leaders from government, finance and the private sector call for sustained action to expand women’s participation in economic leadership and capital markets.
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), in partnership with Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), convened top leaders from across the public and private sectors to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 through the global “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” initiative.
Aligned with the UN Women theme, “Rights, Justice, Action – For All Women and Girls,” the event was held during the Nigerian Exchange Closing Gong Ceremony and served as a platform for stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to advancing gender equality and expanding women’s participation in economic leadership.
In his welcome address, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, highlighted the pivotal role of capital markets in driving inclusive economic growth.
“Capital markets are powerful engines for economic transformation. When women participate fully as leaders, entrepreneurs and investors, markets become stronger, deeper and more resilient. At NGX Group, we remain committed to advancing policies, partnerships and platforms that expand opportunities for women and accelerate inclusive prosperity,” he said.
Delivering special remarks, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, commended NGX Group and its partners for championing gender inclusion in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
“I congratulate NGX Group and its partners for sustaining this important global movement and for promoting gender equality within our financial system. Together, we must continue opening doors of opportunity so the next generation of women can lead with confidence and help transform our world,” she stated.
Also speaking, the First Lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodimma, urged collective action to expand opportunities for women and girls across sectors.
“As we sound the NGX Gong today, let it symbolize our shared commitment to protect every girl child, expand opportunities for every woman, and build an inclusive economy where every woman and girl can flourish,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, emphasized the need to broaden women’s participation in the capital market ecosystem.
“When more women participate in the market as investors and professionals, we deepen the market and strengthen the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” he noted.
Claude Owona, Regional Industry Manager for Financial Institutions at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, underscored the role of capital markets in translating gender equality commitments into tangible economic outcomes.
According to him, “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality is both symbolic and practical. Capital markets do not just reflect economies; they shape them. When women have equitable access to finance, leadership opportunities and inclusive workplaces, companies perform better and economies grow stronger.”
Media entrepreneur and Founder of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu, encouraged women to pursue their ambitions with confidence and clarity.
“For me, it comes down to four things – purpose, passion, progress and power. Find your purpose, let passion fuel your journey, remain consistent even in challenging moments and stand firmly in your power. Do not shrink,” she advised.
Similarly, award-winning actor and filmmaker Funke Akindele urged women to remain disciplined and courageous in pursuing their goals.
“To every woman out there, you can do it. But beyond the words, we must put in the hard work, build structure into our businesses and do things the right way. It takes courage to take the first step even when you’re not ready, courage to stay consistent when no one is clapping and courage to hold firmly to your vision,” she said.
The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality ceremony celebrated the contributions of women to Nigeria’s capital markets and the broader economy, while reinforcing the need for sustained action to close gender gaps in leadership, finance and opportunity.
The 2026 edition was organised in collaboration with global partners including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Women, the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the United Nations Global Compact, and the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSEI).
The event also featured the participation of female board members of NGX Group companies – Ojinika Olaghere, Fatima Wali-Abdulrahman, Lilian Olubi, Ummahani Ahmad Amin, Amina Mohammed and Fiona Ahime – alongside key ecosystem leaders including Onome Komolafe, Divisional Head, Business Services and Client Experience at CSCS Plc; Jumoke Olaniyan, Group Chief Strategy Officer at NGX Group; Uto Ukpanah, Chairperson of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria; and Omowumi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ.
As the closing gong sounded, stakeholders echoed a common message: advancing gender equality requires more than dialogue. It demands sustained collaboration, deliberate action and a shared commitment among governments, institutions and markets to expand opportunities for women and girls.
Through initiatives such as Ring the Bell for Gender Equality, NGX Group and its partners continue to champion inclusive markets, recognising that empowering women is essential to building stronger capital markets and a more resilient economy.
