By Dipo Olowookere
The chief executive of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited has stressed the need to broaden women’s involvement in the capital market.
Speaking on Tuesday at the closing gong ceremony to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 in Lagos, he submitted that, “When more women participate in the market as investors and professionals, we deepen the market and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth.”
The NGX Group Plc partnered with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, and the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) to observe the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative in alignment with the UN Women theme Rights, Justice, Action – For All Women and Girls.
Also addressing participants at the event, the chief executive of NGX Group, Mr Temi Popoola, emphasised the critical role capital markets must play in shaping 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.
On her part, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, commended NGX Group and its partners for advancing gender inclusion through the initiative.
“I congratulate NGX Group and its partners for sustaining this important global movement and 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.
Also, the First Lady of Imo State, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, called for 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.
The Regional Industry Manager for Financial Institutions at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Ms Claude Owona, underscored the role of capital markets in translating gender equality commitments into real economic outcomes.
“Ring the Bell for Gender Equality is both symbolic and practical, because capital markets do not just reflect economies, they shape them. When women have equitable access to finance, leadership opportunities, and safe, inclusive workplaces, companies perform better, and economies grow stronger.
“At IFC, we are proud to partner with NGX Group on market‑driven solutions that expand women’s participation as leaders, entrepreneurs, and employees, recognising that inclusive growth is not aspirational, it is investable, and it is essential for long‑term resilience and shared prosperity,” she said.
Media entrepreneur and founder of EbonyLife Media, Ms Mo Abudu, encouraged women to pursue their ambitions with clarity and confidence.
“For me, it comes down to four things: purpose, passion, progress, and power. 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 and filmmaker, Ms Funke Akindele, urged women to pursue their ambitions with discipline and courage, saying, “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.”
