Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has praised the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) for using the capital market to advance inclusion, transparency, and opportunity for women across the nation’s economy. This was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Speaking at the floor of the Exchange in Lagos, Tuesday, where she rang the bell as the NGX marked the International Women’s Day, the minister predicted that the next generation of women can lead transformation in the world.
The event with the theme: “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality-Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls,” attracted many women leaders from various sectors of the economy including wife of Imo State Governor, Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, media entrepreneur, Mo Abudu, and Nollywood star, Funke Akindele.
In her special remarks, the minister said the occasion was particularly meaningful and a great honour for her because her late father-in-law, Chief Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, served as one of the founding Presidents of the Nigerian Stock Exchange
She described him as a visionary industrialist who believed strongly in enterprise, innovation, and national development.
“It is, therefore, both a personal honour and a historic privilege to stand here today at the Exchange, celebrating progress while renewing our commitment to a more inclusive economic future,” the minister said.
As people reflected on this year’s call for rights, justice, and action for all women and girls, the minister urged all to ensure that women were not only participants in the economy but leaders shaping its direction.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, when women thrive in business, finance, diplomacy, and governance, the institutions grow stronger, and the societies are more prosperous.
The minister, then, congratulated the Nigerian Exchange Group and its partners for sustaining the global movement and for championing gender equality within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
“Together, let us continue to open doors of opportunity so that the next generation of women can lead with confidence and transform our world,” she admonished.
President of Nigerian Exchange Group, Mr. Temi Popoola said that when women rise, the economies rise, calling for more women participation in the economy.
He commended women for their significant feats in the capital market but pointed out that as innovative and hardworking people who need access to finance, they must play a greater role in the exchange.
For us as a capital market, we are interested in women. A lot of women have ideas, and to have access to finance, they would have to participate in the Capital Market. The truth is that the conversation has gone beyond gender equality to active participation…If there is one sector that women dominate in Nigeria, it’s the creative sector. So, as Jennifer (Funke Akindele) said, I look forward to many more women-driven businesses listing in the capital market. They should join the profession.”
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