Lagos: Stakeholders have called for deliberate policies to expand women’s participation in leadership, entrepreneurship, and the economy, describing inclusion as critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation. The call was made on Wednesday at the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered Women in Management and Leadership Conference (WIMLEAD) in Lagos. The conference had the theme: ‘Give Voice, Gain Change: Women Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Dr. Kola Adesina, emphasized that Nigeria’s greatest asset is the talent and ingenuity of its people. He stated that the country’s large population would only become an economic advantage through investments in education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and equal opportunities. Adesina noted that millions of Nigerians, especially women, youths, and low-income households, remain excluded from economic opportunities due to limited access to education, finance, and markets.
He highlighted that women account for about 40 percent of entrepreneurs and contribute significantly to MSMEs, agriculture, commerce, and professional services. However, many women still face structural barriers, including limited access to finance and vulnerable employment. Adesina said expanding opportunities for underserved groups is essential to building a prosperous and inclusive economy. “We must invest in people, expand access to opportunities, build inclusive institutions, and recognize women as economic multipliers. When women thrive, businesses, families, and communities also prosper,” he said.
Adesina urged governments, businesses, and communities to promote merit, diversity, and future-ready skills, identifying key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, technology, financial services, and the creative economy as drivers of Nigeria’s next growth phase.
The President of NIM Chartered, retired Commodore Abimbola Ayuba, remarked that women continue to excel globally despite persistent discrimination. Ayuba noted that Nigerian women have demonstrated excellence, accountability, and integrity in leadership but remain underrepresented in top positions. He urged stakeholders to remove barriers limiting women’s advancement and provide equal opportunities based on merit. “Women seek equal opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he emphasized.
Convener of the CIO Awards, Mrs. Abiola Laseinde, encouraged women to define clear career visions and embrace lifelong learning. Laseinde urged women to pursue professional certifications and acquire digital and artificial intelligence skills to remain competitive in the modern workforce.
Representing the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mrs. Osinowo Adeyemi stated that empowering women is essential to national development and sustainable growth. Adeyemi called for greater representation of women in decision-making and stronger support for women-owned businesses, girl-child education, and inclusive leadership. She asserted that Nigeria could not afford to ignore the creativity, competence, and leadership capacity of its women.
Mrs. Victoria Onuoha, Acting Head of the Corporate Services Division at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing female leadership. Onuoha said MAN had established a woman in the manufacturing unit and continues to invest in leadership development for its female workforce. She added that empowering women is not only a diversity agenda but also a business imperative that strengthens corporate resilience and national economic development.