NGX gender equality initiative highlights women’s leadership, financial inclusion, and sustainable opportunities in Nigeria’s capital markets

Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) in partnership with Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) convened leaders from public and private sectors on March 8, 2026, to mark International Women’s Day through the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative.

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The event, aligned with the UN Women theme “Rights, Justice, Action – For All Women and Girls,” took place during the NGX Closing Gong Ceremony and called for sustained efforts to expand women’s participation in economic leadership and capital markets.

Group Managing Director of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, highlighted the transformative role of women in shaping resilient markets.

“Capital markets are powerful engines for economic transformation. When women participate fully as leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, markets become stronger, deeper, and more resilient,” he said.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, praised NGX Group and its partners for championing gender inclusion, urging continued efforts to empower women in leadership roles.

First Lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodimma, called for collective action to expand opportunities for women and girls across all sectors.

Chief Executive Officer of NGX, Jude Chiemeka, stressed 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.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) Regional Industry Manager Claude Owona emphasised that initiatives like Ring the Bell translate gender equality commitments into tangible economic outcomes, noting that equitable access to finance and leadership opportunities strengthens economies and drives inclusive growth.

The ceremony featured motivational addresses from media entrepreneur Mo Abudu and award-winning actor Funke Akindele, who urged women to pursue their ambitions with purpose, discipline, and courage.

Female board members of NGX Group, including Ojinika Olaghere, Fatima Wali-Abdulrahman, and Lilian Olubi, joined other ecosystem leaders to reinforce the collective commitment to gender parity.

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As the closing gong sounded, stakeholders reiterated that advancing gender equality requires more than dialogue; it demands sustained collaboration, deliberate action, and a shared commitment across governments, institutions, and markets to expand opportunities for women and girls.