By Rukayat Moisemhe
Stakeholders have called for deliberate policies to expand women’s participation in leadership, entrepreneurship and the economy, describing inclusion as critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The call was made on Wednesday at the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered Women in Management and Leadership Conference (WIMLEAD) in Lagos.
The conference had the theme: “Give Voice, Gain Change: Women Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future.”
The Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Dr Kola Adesina, said Nigeria’s greatest asset was the talent and ingenuity of its people.
Adesina said the country’s large population would only become an economic advantage through investments in education, entrepreneurship, innovation and equal opportunities.
He said millions of Nigerians, especially women, youths and low-income households, remained excluded from economic opportunities due to limited access to education, finance and markets.
According to him, women account for about 40 per cent of entrepreneurs and contribute significantly to MSMEs, agriculture, commerce and professional services.
He, however, said many women still faced structural barriers, including limited access to finance and vulnerable employment.
Adesina said expanding opportunities for underserved groups was essential to building a prosperous and inclusive economy.
“We must invest in people, expand access to opportunities, build inclusive institutions and recognise women as economic multipliers.
“When women thrive, businesses, families and communities also prosper,” he said.
He urged governments, businesses and communities to promote merit, diversity and future-ready skills.
He identified manufacturing, agriculture, energy, technology, financial services and the creative economy as key drivers of Nigeria’s next growth phase.
The President of NIM Chartered, retired Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, said women had continued to excel globally despite persistent discrimination.
Ayuba said Nigerian women had demonstrated excellence, accountability and integrity in leadership but remained underrepresented in top positions.
He urged stakeholders to remove barriers limiting women’s advancement and provide equal opportunities based on merit.
According to him, women seek equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Convener of the CIO Awards, Mrs Abiola Laseinde, urged women to define clear career visions and embrace lifelong learning.
Laseinde encouraged women to pursue professional certifications and acquire digital and artificial intelligence skills to remain competitive.
Representing the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Chairman, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mrs Osinowo Adeyemi said empowering women was essential to national development and sustainable growth.
Adeyemi called for greater representation of women in decision-making and stronger support for women-owned businesses, girl-child education and inclusive leadership.
She said Nigeria could not afford to ignore the creativity, competence and leadership capacity of its women.
The Acting Head, Corporate Services Division, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mrs Victoria Onuoha, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing female leadership.
Onuoha said MAN had established a woman in the manufacturing unit and continued to invest in leadership development for its female workforce.
She said empowering women was not only a diversity agenda but also a business imperative that strengthened corporate resilience and national economic development. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma