NGX Group, partners rally leaders to advance gender equality at 2026 ‘Ring the Bell’ ceremony

Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), in partnership with Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) and Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), has convened leaders from across the public and private sectors to promote gender equality through the 2026 edition of the global “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” initiative.

The event, held during the Nigerian Exchange Closing Gong Ceremony in commemoration of International Women’s Day, brought together policymakers, corporate leaders and industry stakeholders to advocate increased participation of women in leadership and economic decision-making.

The initiative aligned with the UN Women theme for International Women’s Day 2026, “Rights, Justice, Action – For All Women and Girls,” and served as a call for stronger commitment to gender inclusion across institutions and markets.

In his welcome address, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, stressed the importance of women’s participation in strengthening capital markets and driving inclusive economic growth.

According to him, capital markets remain critical instruments for economic transformation and must provide equal opportunities for women as leaders, investors and entrepreneurs.

“Capital markets are powerful engines for economic transformation. When women participate fully as leaders, entrepreneurs and investors, markets become stronger, deeper and more resilient,” Popoola said.

He added that NGX Group remains committed to supporting initiatives and partnerships that expand opportunities for women and promote inclusive prosperity.

Delivering special remarks, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, commended NGX Group and its partners for sustaining the initiative and promoting gender inclusion within the financial ecosystem.

She urged stakeholders to continue creating opportunities that would enable more women to contribute meaningfully to economic development.

Similarly, the First Lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodimma, called for collective action to expand opportunities for women and girls across various sectors.

She said the symbolic ringing of the closing gong represented a shared commitment to empowering women and protecting the rights and opportunities of the girl child.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, highlighted the importance of encouraging more women to participate in capital markets as investors and professionals.

According to him, increased female participation would deepen the market and strengthen the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

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

She noted that expanding women’s access to finance, leadership positions and safe workplaces would improve corporate performance and strengthen economies.

Owona also reiterated IFC’s commitment to partnering with NGX Group to support market-driven initiatives aimed at expanding women’s economic participation.

Media entrepreneur and founder of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu, encouraged women to pursue their goals with purpose and determination.

She advised women to remain consistent in pursuing their ambitions while maintaining confidence in their abilities.

Award-winning actor and filmmaker Funke Akindele also urged women to remain disciplined and courageous in building their careers and businesses.

According to her, success requires dedication, structure and the courage to pursue one’s vision even in the face of challenges.

The ceremony also recognised the contributions of women to Nigeria’s capital markets and the broader economy, while highlighting the need for continued efforts to close gender gaps in leadership, finance and opportunity.

The 2026 edition of the event was organised in collaboration with global partners including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Women, the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSEI).

Among other participants were female board members of NGX Group companies, including Ojinika Olaghere, Fatima Wali-Abdulrahman, Lilian Olubi, Ummahani Ahmad Amin, Amina Mohammed and Fiona Ahime.

Other ecosystem leaders present included Onome Komolafe, Divisional Head, Business Services and Client Experience at CSCS Plc; Jumoke Olaniyan, Group Chief Strategy Officer at NGX Group; Uto Ukpanah, Chairperson of UN Global Compact Network Nigeria; and Omowumi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ.

As the closing gong sounded at the ceremony, stakeholders reiterated the need for sustained collaboration and deliberate action across governments, institutions and markets to expand opportunities for women and girls.

They emphasised that empowering women remains essential for building stronger capital markets and fostering a more inclusive and resilient economy.