The 2025 International Women’s Day celebration, led by Minister Hannatu Musawa and the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX), centered on public-private partnerships to achieve gender equality. Emphasis was placed on the economic contributions of women-owned businesses and the urgent need for accessible capital. The event showcased collaborative efforts to foster women’s empowerment for societal betterment.
Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, has underscored the significance of public-private partnerships in advancing gender equality. During the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) in Lagos, she emphasized the need to address barriers that restrict the potential of women and girls. The program’s theme, “Accelerate Action for All Women: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” reflects the urgency of this matter.
Musawa pointed to a report from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), highlighting that women-owned businesses contribute $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy. She noted the challenges these women face in accessing capital, advocating for targeted investments that empower women entrepreneurs. “Building a gender-equal future requires collaboration between the public and private sectors,” she stated, insisting on the necessity of advancing from dialogue to impactful actions to mitigate the gender disparity.
Moreover, Musawa praised NGX’s initiatives in accessing capital markets to support women-led businesses. Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, echoed the need for systematic efforts to bolster gender equality, advocating for collective action from all sectors of society. He commented that, “An inclusive economy is a thriving economy,” emphasizing that empowering women is essential for societal progress.
Mr. Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, expressed gratitude for the support women provide within NGX, recognizing their achievements and encouraging mutual support among them. Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), called for respect and care toward women, reflecting on the values instilled in him by women.
Furthermore, Ms. Chalya Shagaya, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, advocated for deeper collaboration between NGX and the government to boost investments for women. Franca Chukwugor, Executive Commissioner at the SEC, urged women to equip themselves with essential knowledge to thrive financially while advising against illegal investments.
Serah Ockman from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) emphasized the importance of investment for women, while Prof. Folashade Ogunshola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, encouraged women to confront social barriers to effect change. Hilda Baci, CEO of Food by Hilda, reinforced the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing among women to create a more equitable society.
In summary, the celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day highlighted the critical role of public-private collaborations in fostering gender equality. Key figures emphasized the need for significant actions aimed at empowering women and addressing the challenges they face, particularly in accessing capital. The discussions underscored that an inclusive economy not only benefits women but also fuels overall societal progress.
Original Source: nannews.ng
