By Taiye Olayemi
The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), in partnership with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), has called for improved gender equity and increased women’s participation in the economy.
They made the call at the 2026 Ring the Bell for Gender Equality ceremony, held during the NGX Closing Gong Ceremony, which aligned with the UN Women theme, “Rights, Justice, Action – For All Women and Girls”.
This served as a call to action for expanding women’s participation in leadership, finance, and the broader economy.
Delivering the welcome address, Mr Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director of NGX, said capital markets play a critical role in 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.
Also speaking, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, commended NGX and its partners for sustaining the global movement.
“I congratulate NGX Group and its partners for championing gender equality within our financial ecosystem.
“Together, let us continue to open the doors of opportunity so the next generation of women can lead with confidence and help transform our world,” she said.
Chioma Uzodimma, First Lady of Imo State, urged collective action to expand opportunities for women and girls.
“As we sound the NGX Gong today, let it symbolise our shared pledge to protect every girl child, expand opportunities for every woman, and build an inclusive economy where every woman and girl can flourish,” she said.
Mr Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer, NGX, emphasised the importance of broadening 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 growth,” he said.
Speaking on development finance, Ms Claude Owona, Regional Industry Manager at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), noted the economic benefits of gender equality.
“When women and men participate equally in the economy, societies function better and economies become more prosperous,” she said.
Meanwhile, media entrepreneur, Ms Mo Abudu, encouraged women to pursue ambitions with clarity and confidence.
“Find your purpose, let passion fuel your journey, stay consistent even when challenges arise, and most importantly, stand firmly in your power. Do not shrink,” she said.
Award-winning actor, Funke Akindele, urged women to act with discipline and courage.
“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,” she said.
The ceremony celebrated women’s contributions to Nigeria’s capital market and economy while reinforcing the need for sustained action to close gender gaps in leadership and opportunity.
The 2026 event was organised with global partners including IFC, UN Women, the World Federation of Exchanges, the United Nations Global Compact, and the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, featuring female board members and key industry leaders.
As the closing gong sounded, participants pledged collective action, underscoring that advancing gender equality requires more than dialogue, it demands sustained collaboration and deliberate action. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
