By Taiye Olayemi
Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has emphasised the crucial role of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful change for promoting gender parity.

Musawa, during the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) in Lagos, said it had become important to tackle most of the challenges confronting women and girls, which limits their potential.

The theme of the programme is “Accelerate Action for All Women: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.”

According to the minister, collaboration is important considering the report by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) which revealed that women-owned businesses contribute $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy.

She said that women struggle to access capital for their business.

“Building a gender-equal future requires collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“We must go beyond conversations and take decisive and meaningful actions to bridge the gender gap in society.

“We must increase gender-lens, invest and create funding opportunities, specifically tailored for women entrepreneurs.

“We must also focus on building a sustainable future, where women are empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive,” she said.

Musawa commended the NGX for their remarkable effort in leveraging capital markets to channel resources into women-led businesses and gender-focused initiatives.

Also, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman, NGX Group, said achieving gender equality demands deliberate and bold actions by the private sector, government, regulators, and the society at large.

Kwairanga noted that it was equally important for everyone to work together to ensure women gain easy access to capital, bearing in mind that an inclusive economy is a thriving one.

He said the NGX is determined to increase women participation in the Nigerian capital market through targeted investment in education programmes and the creation of mechanisms to track gender impact through aggregated data collection and analysis.

“At NGX Group, we live by example. Achieving gender equality demands deliberate and bold actions by the regulators, government, private sector, and society.

“When we accelerate progress for women, we accelerate progress for all. An inclusive economy is a thriving economy, and empowering women is a catalyst for the society,” he said.

Mr Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, appreciated all women rendering huge support to their gender within the NGX.

He saluted remarkable achievements by women generally and encouraged them to continue to support one another as a lot more could be achieved by the women folk.

Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Managing Director, Central Securities Clearing Systems (CSCS), called for male-female collaboration to build a harmonious and equitable society.

Speaking on how he was raised by values garnered from women, Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) urged men to respect, honour and take absolute care of the women folk.

Agama acknowledged women’s resilience, hardworking, and resourceful nature.

Also, Ms Chalya Shagaya, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Entrepreneurial Development, called for further collaboration between the NGX and government to expand investment for women.

Franca Chukwugor, Executive Commissioner, Legal and Enforcement Security and Exchange Commission, challenged women to equip themselves with the needed information to prosper.

Chukwugor advised women against engaging in ilegal investments but thirst after authentic financial knowledge.

Serah Ockman, Manager, Pre-Investment and Advisory Services, International Finance Corporation (IFC) advised women to prioritise investment.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunshola urged women to shun all form of social barriers they have been confronted with in order to further make remarkable impact in the society.

Ogunshola called for public-private partnerships channelled at creating an economic environment where women can access capital, grants needed, wealth creation.

Hilda Baci, Chief Executive Officer of Food by Hilda, admonished women not to desist from learning and teaching one another until the nation achieves an equitable society. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa