• Ojukwu, Uzodimma others seek women empowerment
Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), in collaboration with Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has emphasised the pivotal role of capital markets in driving inclusive economic growth and expanding opportunities across the economy.

At the 2026 Bell Ringing Ceremony, where leaders from across the public and private sectors gathered to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 at the NGX in Lagos through the global Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, emphasised that greater participation of women in capital markets was critical to driving economic transformation and building more resilient financial systems.

Delivering the welcome address, Popoola noted that when women actively participate as leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, capital markets become stronger, deeper, and better positioned to support sustainable economic growth.

He also stated that the NGX Group remained committed to promoting policies, partnerships, and platforms that would expand opportunities for women while advancing inclusive prosperity.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, commended NGX Group and its partners for advancing gender inclusion through the initiative.

“I congratulate NGX Group and its partners for sustaining this important global movement and 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,” she said.

Also speaking, the First Lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodimma, called for collective action to expand opportunities for women and girls.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange, Jude Chiemeka, emphasised the importance of broadening women’s participation in the capital market ecosystem.

The Regional Industry Manager for Financial Institutions at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Claude Owona, underscored the role of capital markets in translating gender equality commitments into real economic outcomes.

“Ring the Bell for Gender Equality is both symbolic and practical, because capital markets do not just reflect economies, they shape them. When women have equitable access to finance, leadership opportunities, and safe, inclusive workplaces, companies perform better and economies grow stronger,” he said.

Media entrepreneur and founder of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu, encouraged women to pursue their ambitions with clarity and confidence.

Actor and filmmaker Funke Akindele urged women to pursue their ambitions with discipline and courage. Aligned with the UN Women theme “Rights, Justice, Action – For All Women and Girls,” the event, held during the Nigerian Exchange Closing Gong Ceremony, served as a call for sustained action to advance gender equality and expand women’s participation in economic leadership.