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LAGOS,Nigeria - The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has highlighted the vital importance of public-private partnerships in fostering significant advancements towards achieving gender equality.
During the celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day, organized by the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) in Lagos, Musawa pointed out the necessity of addressing various challenges that hinder the potential of women and girls. The event's theme is “Accelerate Action for All Women: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.”
According to the minister, collaboration is crucial, especially in light of a report from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), which revealed that women-owned businesses contribute $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy.
She expressed that women face difficulties in securing funding for their businesses.
“Creating a gender-equal future necessitates cooperation between public and private sectors. We must move past mere discussions and implement decisive and impactful measures to close the gender gap in society.
We need to enhance gender-focused investments and develop funding opportunities specifically designed for women entrepreneurs. Additionally, we should aim for a sustainable future where women are empowered to lead, innovate, and excel,” she noted.
Musawa praised the NGX for its significant efforts in utilizing capital markets to direct resources towards women-led businesses and gender-centric initiatives. Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of the NGX Group, asserted that achieving gender equality requires intentional and courageous actions from the private sector, government, regulators, and society as a whole.
Kwairanga emphasized the necessity for collective efforts to provide women with easier access to capital, underscoring that an inclusive economy thrives.
He stated that the NGX is committed to enhancing female participation in the Nigerian capital market through targeted educational initiatives and establishing mechanisms for tracking gender impact through data collection and analysis.
“At NGX Group, we lead by example. Attaining gender equality requires deliberate and bold actions from regulators, the government, the private sector, and society.
Accelerating progress for women accelerates progress for everyone. An inclusive economy is a flourishing economy, and empowering women serves as a catalyst for societal growth,” he remarked.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, expressed gratitude to all women who actively support their gender within the NGX.
He acknowledged the impressive accomplishments of women in general and encouraged them to continue uplifting one another, as greater accomplishments can be realized collectively.
Managing Director of Central Securities Clearing Systems (CSCS), Haruna Jalo-Waziri, advocated for male-female collaboration to foster a harmonious and equitable society.
Director-General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, emphasized the need for men to respect, honor, and care for women, reflecting on values he learned from women during his upbringing. Agama praised women for their resilience, hard work, and resourcefulness.
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Entrepreneurial Development, Chalya Shagaya, called for enhanced collaboration between the NGX and the government to broaden investment opportunities for women.
Executive Commissioner of Legal and Enforcement at the SEC, Franca Chukwugor, encouraged women to equip themselves with essential information for success and cautioned against engaging in illegal investments, urging them to seek legitimate financial knowledge.
Manager of Pre-Investment and Advisory Services at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Serah Ockman, advised women to prioritize investments.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, urged women to overcome social barriers they encounter to make a notable impact in society.
Ogunshola called for public-private partnerships aimed at creating an economic landscape where women can access necessary capital and grants for wealth creation.
Chief Executive Officer of Food by Hilda, Hilda Baci, encouraged women not to shy away from learning and teaching one another until the nation achieves a fair society
