In a powerful display of commitment to gender equality, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined forces with renowned financial expert Dr. Arunma Oteh to champion women's economic empowerment at the prestigious Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) 2025 Conversation.
Transformative Leadership Call to Action
The high-profile event, held at the iconic Eko Hotels and Suites, witnessed Governor Sanwo-Olu making an impassioned case for systemic changes that would propel more women into leadership positions across Nigeria's economic landscape.
"We must create environments where women don't just participate but truly lead and transform sectors," declared the governor, emphasizing the critical need for inclusive policies in both public and private institutions.
Financial Sector Takes Center Stage
Dr. Arunma Oteh, former Director-General of Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission and ex-Treasurer at the World Bank, delivered a compelling keynote address that resonated deeply with attendees.
"The evidence is overwhelming—organizations with gender-diverse leadership consistently outperform their peers," Oteh stated, backing her argument with substantial research findings.
Breaking Barriers in Corporate Nigeria
The conversation highlighted several critical areas requiring immediate attention:
- Eliminating gender-based barriers in corporate promotion pipelines
- Implementing transparent salary structures to address pay disparities
- Creating robust mentorship programs for emerging female leaders
- Developing family-friendly workplace policies that support working mothers
Economic Imperative for Inclusion
Both speakers emphasized that women's economic empowerment isn't merely a social justice issue but a fundamental economic necessity for Nigeria's growth and development.
"When we empower women economically, we're not just helping individuals—we're strengthening families, communities, and ultimately our entire nation's economy," Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized.
The WIMBIZ 2025 Conversation stands as a significant milestone in Nigeria's ongoing journey toward gender parity, signaling a growing consensus among the nation's leadership about the transformative power of women's full economic participation.
