By Rukayat Moisemhe
Experts have emphasised that sustainable economic progress requires the full participation of women in commerce, entrepreneurship and innovation.
They spoke at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) event held on Thursday in Lagos.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said the International Women’s Day was not merely ceremonial but a moment for reflection and renewed commitment.
Ambrose-Medebem, represented by Mrs Ire Odega, Special Adviser in the ministry, said women remained central to building resilient and thriving economies.
“It reminds us that sustainable economic progress cannot occur without the full participation of women in commerce, enterprise and innovation.
“Around the world, women have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, creativity and leadership in business and industry.
“In Lagos State, we are proud to witness women building enterprises, creating employment, driving innovation and strengthening our economic ecosystem,” she said.
She noted that women entrepreneurs operate across diverse sectors including manufacturing, technology, agriculture, the creative industry, trade and services.
According to her, beyond their economic contributions, women also play transformative roles in shaping communities and strengthening social structures.
“When women succeed, the ripple effects are felt within households, communities and the wider economy,” she said.
Ambrose-Medebem, however, noted that many women still face barriers such as limited access to finance, restricted networks and structural obstacles that hinder their growth in business and leadership.
The President, LCCI, Mr Leye Kupoluyi, said the success of women in commerce was critical to driving economic growth in Nigeria.
Kupoluyi said global evidence showed that empowering women was not only a social responsibility but also a strategic economic imperative for countries seeking inclusive growth.
He cited research by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth which showed that about 83 per cent of Nigerian women identify as entrepreneurs, one of the highest rates globally.
According to him, women entrepreneurs are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s economic future across sectors such as agriculture, retail, technology, finance, manufacturing and the creative economy.
“Closing gender gaps in employment and entrepreneurship can significantly increase economic output and strengthen national competitiveness,” he said.
Kupoluyi also stressed the importance of mentorship, partnerships and collaboration among women to achieve sustainable business success.
“When women share knowledge, invest in one another’s enterprises, mentor emerging entrepreneurs and create cooperative business networks, they generate multiplier effects that strengthen entire industries and value chains,” he said.
The Chairperson, LCCI Women Group, Mrs Olufemi Ogun, said the IWD event provided an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements across industries and reaffirm commitment to building stronger pathways for the next generation.
Ogun said the event’s theme: “Give to Gain – The Power of Contribution, Collaboration and Impact,” highlighted the importance of collective growth.
“The most successful individuals and organisations understand the value of giving knowledge, opportunities, support and time to uplift others,” she said.
The Pro-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors to drive sustainable development.
Ashiru said collaboration had become the “oxygen” that enables businesses to move from local champions to global brands.
He also emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between universities and industries to enhance the commercialisation of innovation.
“Women academics have the capacity to create generational impact, particularly when their innovations are translated into commercial opportunities,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Mosun Belo-Olusoga, Consultant at The KRC Ltd., urged women to collaborate across sectors, mentor younger women and build strong professional networks.
Belo-Olusoga, said providing support, resources and leadership opportunities for women would ultimately drive broader societal progress and inclusion.
According to her, when women contribute knowledge, courage and support to others, families thrive, organisations grow and nations develop.
Pricillia Imade, a Doctor of Optometry at Modern Eye Clinic, also called for increased efforts to address avoidable blindness among women in Nigeria. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
