The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, says women’s leadership and economic inclusion remain central to Nigeria’s growth strategy.
Delivering a goodwill message at the investiture ceremony of Mrs Fiona Ahimie, as the 14th President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Lagos, the Minister described the development as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusive leadership and institutional transformation.
She stated that “the investiture of Mrs Fiona Nyoko Ahmed Ahimie as the first female President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers is a testament to the power of merit, hard work and determination.”
She stated that the achievement underscores the value of women’s participation in leadership, noting that “when women are given the opportunity to compete and lead, they do not merely participate; they excel, innovate and transform institutions for the better.”
The Minister emphasised that Mrs Ahimie’s rise reflects competence and sustained excellence, noting that leadership is defined by vision and performance rather than gender.
“Her accomplishment sends a powerful signal to young women across Nigeria that leadership is not defined by gender, but by vision, competence and the courage to excel.” She said.
Reiterating the economic importance of gender inclusion, the Minister stressed that “gender equality is not a women’s issue. It is a national growth strategy.”
She referenced World Bank projections indicating that closing gender gaps in labour force participation could add up to 229 billion dollars to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product by 2030, pointing to women as central to national productivity and economic transformation.
She further noted that “the empowerment of women, distinguished guests, is not a cost to be borne, it is the single largest growth opportunity within our reach.”
Highlighting ongoing progress, she pointed to Nigeria’s improving global gender indicators, including a rise in the Global Gender Gap Index ranking from 139th in 2021 to 125th in 2024, alongside gains in financial inclusion and women’s representation in leadership positions.
The Minister observed that “women today hold 57 per cent of managerial positions in Nigeria, well above the global average of 28 per cent, while more than 40 per cent of our major commercial banks are now led by women.”
She also linked the achievement of Mrs Ahimie to broader national reforms in financial inclusion, noting that capital markets and financial institutions play a critical role in expanding access to investment opportunities and economic empowerment.
She said institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers are central to converting savings into investments and expanding opportunities for inclusive growth.
Congratulating the new President of the Institute, the Minister said, “May your tenure be one of distinction, of integrity, and of enduring impact.”
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that her elevation reinforces the Nigerian Government’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership across all sectors of the economy and represents “a glimpse of its own brighter future” for Nigeria.
