Lagos: The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), in collaboration with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), has advocated for enhanced gender equity and increased participation of women in the economy. This call was made during the 2026 Ring the Bell for Gender Equality ceremony, which took place at the NGX Closing Gong Ceremony, aligning with the UN Women’s theme, ‘Rights, Justice, Action – For All Women and Girls’. The event served as a clarion call to expand women’s roles in leadership, finance, and the broader economy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director of NGX, emphasized the crucial role capital markets play in fostering inclusive economic growth. He stated, “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.”
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, praised NGX and its partners for maintaining momentum in the global movement for gender equality. She remarked, “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.”
Chioma Uzodimma, First Lady of Imo State, called for a unified effort to broaden opportunities for women and girls. She stated, “As we sound the NGX Gong today, let it symbolize 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.”
Mr. Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of NGX, highlighted the significance of increasing women’s participation in the capital market ecosystem. He noted, “When more women participate in the market as investors and professionals, we deepen the market and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth.”
Ms. Claude Owona, Regional Industry Manager at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), emphasized the economic advantages of gender equality. She stated, “When women and men participate equally in the economy, societies function better and economies become more prosperous.”
Media entrepreneur Ms. Mo Abudu encouraged women to pursue their ambitions with determination and confidence. She advised, “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.”
Award-winning actor Funke Akindele urged women to act with discipline and courage. She stated, “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.”
The ceremony celebrated the contributions of women to Nigeria’s capital market and economy, reinforcing the need for ongoing action to close gender gaps in leadership and opportunity. The 2026 event was organized 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.