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Nigeria’s First Lady Launches “Free to Shine” Campaign to Combat HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis in South-South Region.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, officially launched the “Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign” in the South-South region, a bold initiative aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS, syphilis, and hepatitis. The launch event, held in Port Harcourt, drew health officials, community leaders, and women’s groups, signaling a unified push to address a health crisis that disproportionately affects women and children.

 

Oluremi Tinubu highlighted alarming statistics during her keynote address, noting that young women aged 20–24 are three times more likely to live with HIV than men in the same age group. “This is not just a health issue; it’s a matter of equity and survival for our women and future generations,” she said. She pointed to systemic challenges, including limited access to education, testing, and treatment, as key drivers of the disparity. The First Lady also cited data showing that mother-to-child transmission remains a significant concern, with syphilis and hepatitis adding to the burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The “Free to Shine” campaign, a collaboration between the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, and international partners, seeks to eliminate these diseases through a multi-pronged approach. It includes free screening programs, distribution of antiviral medications, and community-based education drives targeting rural and underserved areas. Mobile health units will be deployed across the six states of the South-South region—Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta—to reach at-risk populations. Tinubu announced that over 50,000 women and children are expected to benefit from the initial phase, with plans to scale up nationwide by 2026.

Health Minister Dr. Ali Pate, who attended the launch, praised the initiative as a critical step toward achieving Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals. “Eliminating these diseases will reduce maternal mortality and improve child health outcomes,” he said, noting that the campaign aligns with the government’s renewed focus on primary healthcare. Local health workers, including nurses and midwives, will be trained to administer tests and counsel patients, ensuring sustainability beyond the campaign’s rollout.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, though challenges remain. Patience Okon, a women’s advocate from Akwa Ibom, welcomed the focus on young women but urged the government to address stigma, which often prevents people from seeking help. “Many fear being judged or ostracized,” she said. “Awareness must go hand-in-hand with acceptance.”

Tinubu closed the event with a call to action, urging families, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to support the campaign. “Together, we can build a healthier Nigeria where our women and children are free to shine,” she declared, citing the initiative’s slogan. The First Lady is expected to tour other regions in the coming months to expand the program’s reach, with updates to be provided as implementation programs.

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We Live in Fear”: Women in Southern Nigeria Speak Out After Mob Violence Claims 16 Lives

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The smell of burning tires still lingers in the air of Uromi, a town in southern Nigeria’s Edo State, where a mob brutally killed 16 suspected kidnappers last week. For the women of this community, the horrific incident—where victims were beaten and some set ablaze—is not just a headline; it’s a stark reminder of the insecurity that shadows their daily lives.

“We heard the screams that night,” said Blessing Osagie, a 32-year-old mother of three who lives near the site of the attack. “I locked my doors and held my children close, praying it wouldn’t come to us. But the truth is, we’re never safe—not from kidnappers, not from mobs, not from anything.” Her voice trembled as she recounted the chaos that erupted after local security found weapons in a truck, sparking the deadly vigilante response.

The victims, reportedly northern Hausa hunters, were accused of being kidnappers, a charge that fueled the mob’s rage. While the incident wasn’t specifically about women, it amplifies a broader crisis that women in southern Nigeria say leaves them uniquely vulnerable. Kidnapping for ransom has surged in recent years, with women and girls often targeted for abduction, sexual violence, or forced labor. Yet, the rise of mob justice, as seen in Uromi, adds another layer of terror.

“Men might join the mob or fight back, but what can we do?” asked Chioma Eze, a 45-year-old trader in Uromi’s bustling market. “If kidnappers come, we’re the ones they take. If a mob forms, we’re the ones hiding, afraid of being caught in the crossfire or accused of something we didn’t do.” Eze pointed to the growing distrust in police and government, which she says pushes communities to take matters into their own hands—often with devastating consequences.

Amnesty International reports that at least 13 women have been victims of mob violence in Nigeria over the past decade, often accused of witchcraft or petty crimes in southern regions like Edo. For women like Eze, the Uromi killings are a grim echo of this trend. “They say it’s justice, but it’s just more violence,” she said. “And it’s us—women, mothers, daughters—who pay the price when everything falls apart.”

The Edo State government has condemned the killings, with Governor Monday Okpebholo vowing to prosecute those responsible. Four arrests have been made, but for women here, official promises ring hollow. “The police can’t stop kidnappers, and they can’t stop mobs,” said Fatima Yusuf, a 28-year-old nurse. “We’re left to fend for ourselves, but how? I can’t sleep at night, wondering if my clinic will be next—or if I’ll be dragged out for helping the wrong person.”

The incident has reignited calls from women’s groups for better security and an end to vigilante justice. “We need protection, not more bloodshed,” said Mercy Igbinosa, a local activist with the South-South Women’s Network. “Women are raising families in this chaos, and we’re tired of being collateral damage. The government must act—more police, more patrols, more trust—so we don’t have to live like this.”

For the women of southern Nigeria, the mob’s actions last week were not a solution but a symptom of a deeper wound. “We want peace,” Osagie whispered, clutching her youngest child. “But peace feels so far away when every day is a fight to survive.”

 

 

 

 

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Trapped in Iraq: Nigerian Women’s Desperate Plea for Rescue.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

A growing crisis has emerged as Nigerian women, lured to Iraq with promises of well-paying domestic jobs, find themselves ensnared in what activists are calling “modern slavery.” Reports of severe abuse, exploitation, and desperate cries for rescue have sparked outrage and calls for urgent action from both Nigerian and Iraqi authorities.

These women, often from rural communities with limited resources, are targeted by recruiters promising a better life abroad. However, upon arrival in cities like Baghdad and Basra, their dreams shatter. Survivors recount harrowing experiences of 20-hour workdays, physical and sexual violence, and confiscated passports under Iraq’s controversial “kafala” system, which ties workers’ legal status to their employers.

 

One survivor, Agnes, a 27-year-old from Nigeria, shared her ordeal from a hostel in Basra: “I just want to go home and treat myself, but I can’t. The pain won’t stop.” Agnes alleges she was raped at gunpoint by her employer, forced into a traumatic abortion, and left with debilitating injuries, yet her recruitment agency refuses to release her from a two-year contract.

Damilola Adekola, co-founder of Hopes Haven Foundation, a Nigerian NGO tracking these cases, described the situation as dire. “It’s a form of modern slavery,” Adekola said. “These women are told, ‘We’ve bought you, so you have to work.’ There’s no medical care, no rest—just obscene hours and constant threats.” The foundation has been inundated with pleas for help, but rescuing these women is complicated by their isolation and lack of documentation, leaving them unable to pinpoint their locations for authorities.

The issue gained traction late last year when stories of survivors like Agnes and Eniola surfaced, prompting investigations by Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). Since May 2023, NAPTIP has flagged exploitative recruitment drives to Iraq, identifying rogue agents now under scrutiny. Yet, activists argue that both Nigerian and Iraqi governments have been slow to act. “There’s no system to monitor these women,” Adekola noted. “If employers knew the Nigerian government was watching, they might think twice.”

Social media has amplified the crisis, with one high-profile case in early 2025 igniting public fury and pressuring authorities. Despite assurances from Iraq’s interior ministry to investigate, and a rare success in securing the return of Odunayo Eniola Isaac on January 3, 2025, many remain trapped. The International Organization for Migration estimates over 221,000 people in Iraq endure slavery-like conditions, with Nigerian women among the most vulnerable.

Advocates urge immediate intervention. “These are our sisters, our daughters,” said Adekola. “Every day they stay trapped is a day too long.” For Agnes and countless others, the plea is simply saying bring us home.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigerian Chess Master Tunde Onakoya Pledges to Fund Education of Young Girl in Ikoyi Child Labor Case.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene

Tunde Onakoya, the renowned Nigerian chess champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, has stepped forward with a heartfelt promise to sponsor the education of an 11-year-old girl whose story recently captured national attention. The girl, seen sweeping the streets of Ikoyi alongside her mother, sparked widespread debate after her mother faced criticism for involving her in what many labeled as child labor. Onakoya’s gesture has since turned the spotlight from controversy to hope, offering the young girl a transformative opportunity.

The incident unfolded when a video of the girl working with her mother, a street sweeper in the affluent Ikoyi neighborhood, went viral. While some condemned the mother for exposing her daughter to labor instead of ensuring her education, others highlighted the harsh realities of poverty that often leave families with little choice. Amid the polarized reactions, Onakoya, known for his commitment to uplifting underprivileged children, saw a chance to make a difference.

“I believe every child deserves a shot at a better future, no matter their circumstances,” Onakoya said in a statement. “This young girl’s story moved me, and I’m honored to step in and support her education. It’s not just about one child, it’s about showing what’s possible when we invest in our youth.

Onakoya, who made history in 2024 by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon to raise funds for children’s education, has pledged to cover the girl’s schooling costs through his nonprofit organization, Chess in Slums Africa. The initiative, which uses chess as a tool to teach critical thinking and life skills, has already impacted thousands of children across the continent.

Details of the sponsorship are still being finalized, but sources close to Onakoya indicate it will include tuition, books, and other essentials to ensure the girl can attend school without financial burden. The move has been met with widespread praise, with many lauding Onakoya as a beacon of compassion and action in a country grappling with educational disparities.

The girl’s mother, whose identity remains private, reportedly expressed gratitude for the offer, noting that her intention was never to exploit her daughter but to survive in the face of economic hardship. “I just wanted to teach her hard work,” she said, according to a local report. “Now she has a chance I could never give her.”

Onakoya’s heartfelt help comes at the right time, a time when child labor remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with millions of children out of school due to poverty, conflict, and systemic challenges. His promise not only offers a lifeline to one family but also reignites conversations about the need for broader solutions to ensure education for all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NewsTrendingWomen in Nigeria

Lagos Woman Accused of Child Labor After Early Morning Sweeping in Ikoyi Sparks Outrage.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

A routine early morning in Ikoyi turned into a public spectacle this week when a Lagos woman, known locally as Mama Bose, was confronted by another woman over allegations of child labor. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated online, occurred around 4:30-5:00 AM on Monday, March 31, as Mama Bose and her 11-year-old daughter were seen sweeping a residential compound in the upscale neighborhood.

The accuser, identified on social media only as Toun, a concerned passerby, challenged Mama Bose for bringing her young daughter along on the daily trek from Iyana Oworo, a mainland suburb, to Ikoyi to perform cleaning work. “This is purely child labor,” Toun declared in the video, which has since garnered thousands of views on social media platforms. “She wakes this child up by 4 AM to sweep—how can this be right?” Toun’s outrage resonated with some onlookers and online commentators who argued that the grueling schedule endangered the girl’s well-being and education.

Mama Bose, a widowed mother of three who relies on odd jobs to survive, defended herself amid the confrontation. “We come from Iyana Oworo every day because this is how I feed my family,” she explained, her voice trembling. “My daughter helps me, and then she goes to school. I don’t have a choice.” Witnesses reported that the girl appeared tired but unharmed, clutching a broom nearly as tall as she was.

The video, first posted by X user @shegzedon

on March 31 ignited a firestorm of reactions. Some, like @iam_polainoe, echoed Toun’s concerns, noting the strain of waking a child so early for labor before school. “Many of you are supporting her, but this is wrong,” the user wrote. Others criticized Toun’s approach, accusing her of insensitivity. @GlamTspecial22 remarked, “She sounds so rude—just cares about embarrassing the woman! If she really cared, she’d talk to her without a camera.” Similarly, @sholawa condemned Toun for shaming Mama Bose publicly: “Is it joy to her, coming from the mainland to sweep at 4 AM?”

Child labor is a contentious issue in Nigeria, where economic hardship often forces families into difficult choices. While the Child’s Right Act prohibits exploitative work for children under 18, enforcement remains weak, especially in informal sectors like domestic cleaning. A December 2024 AP News report on child labor in Nigeria’s lithium mines highlighted the broader challenge, though urban cases like this one rarely make headlines.

The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has not commented on the incident, and no formal complaint has been reported to the police as of April 1. However, the viral video has prompted calls for intervention. “In some countries, this wouldn’t be tolerated,” X user @urch_cenation posted, urging authorities to investigate.

For now, Mama Bose continues her dawn routine, caught between survival and scrutiny. The clash has left Lagosians divided: Is this a case of exploitation or a mother’s desperate bid to provide? As the debate rages online, the story unveils the harsh realities many face in Nigeria’s economic capital—and the complex line between necessity and neglect.

 

 

 

 

 

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Lassa Fever Outbreak: Nigerian Women on the Frontlines as Caregivers Demand Support.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

As Nigeria grapples with a deadly Lassa fever outbreak that has claimed 118 lives in the first three months of 2025, women in affected communities are emerging as the unsung heroes, and unintended victims, of this public health crisis. With 645 confirmed cases reported across 33 states by March 31, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), women, often the primary caregivers in households, are bearing the brunt of the disease’s toll, particularly in hard-hit areas like Kano.

The outbreak, which has a case fatality rate of 18.3%, has exposed deep-seated gender dynamics in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. Women like Amina Yusuf, a 38-year-old mother of four from Kano, have found themselves thrust into the role of caregiver as family members fall ill. “My husband caught the fever last month, and I’ve been nursing him day and night,” Amina said, her voice heavy with exhaustion. “There’s no one else to do it. But the clinics are far, and we don’t have enough medicine or information to keep us safe.”

Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with infected rodents or bodily fluids, thrives in Nigeria’s dry season, peaking between November and April. The NCDC reports that 3,465 suspected cases have swept through 91 local government areas this year, with Kano among the regions sounding the alarm. For women, the risk is twofold: caring for the sick exposes them to infection, while limited access to medical resources heightens their vulnerability.

Dr. Fatima Bello, a public health expert in Kano, emphasized the gendered impact. “Women are the backbone of caregiving in our communities, yet they’re often the last to receive protective equipment or education about prevention,” she said. “This outbreak is a wake-up call—we need targeted support for these women, from gloves and masks to awareness campaigns in local languages.”

The NCDC has deployed rapid response teams to 10 high-burden states, including Kano, and activated a national emergency operations center to coordinate efforts. Yet, challenges persist: delayed case detection, manpower shortages, and late hospital visits—often due to reliance on traditional remedies—continue to hamper containment. Of the 20 healthcare workers infected nationwide, many are women, underscoring the frontline risks they face.

In Kano’s markets and cramped homes, women like Amina are calling for change. “We need more help—more doctors, more supplies, and someone to tell us how to stop this,” she pleaded. Community leaders have echoed her plea, urging the government and private sector to bolster medical infrastructure and launch door-to-door education drives.

 

 

 

 

 

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UncategorizedNewsTrending

Lagos Markets See Post-Mother’s Day Boom from Last-Minute Gifts.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

The hustle and bustle of Mother’s Day on March 30, 2025, has left a lasting mark on Lagos markets, with traders reporting a significant economic boost today, March 31, driven by last-minute shoppers honoring their moms. From Balogun Market to Oshodi, families flocked yesterday to snatch up Ankara fabrics, glittering jewelry, and vibrant flower bouquets, ensuring mothers across the city were celebrated in style.

Amina Yusuf, a fabric seller in Balogun Market, described the scene yesterday as “absolute chaos—in the best way.” She noted that latecomers, desperate to find the perfect gift, fueled a 20% sales spike compared to a typical Sunday.

 

“Everyone wanted something special—lace, Aso-Oke, anything to make their mothers shine,” Yusuf told reporters today, her stall still busy with customers exchanging Mother’s Day stories.

The surge underscores Nigerian mothers’ cultural prominence, particularly during Mothering Sunday, a tradition tied to the fourth Sunday of Lent and widely celebrated in Lagos’ churches and homes. Shoppers like Tunde Adebayo, 34, admitted to procrastinating until the final hours. “I got my mom a red Ankara wrapper and a necklace just before the market closed yesterday—she loved it,” he said, grinning outside Idumota Market this morning.

Beyond fabrics and trinkets, florists like Chidinma Okeke in Yaba reported selling out of roses and lilies by noon on March 30, with some customers doubling back today to grab leftovers for belated tributes. “Mothers are queens here—people don’t hold back,” Okeke said, estimating her sales tripled compared to last week.

Economists see this post-Mother’s Day boom as a microcosm of Lagos’ vibrant informal economy, where cultural events often drive commerce. Dr. Femi Aluko, a market analyst at Lagos State University, noted today that such spikes—while temporary—offer a lifeline to traders still reeling from inflation, which hit 32.7% in February 2025 (per Nigeria Bureau of Statistics). “It’s not just about gifts; it’s about affirming family values,” he said.

Yet, not all reactions were celebratory. On X today, some Lagosians grumbled about inflated prices during the rush, with user @NaijaMomma

tweeting, “Ankara that was N5,000 last week became N7,000 yesterday—traders know how to cash in!” Still, for most, the expense was worth it to see mothers draped in tradition, their smiles lighting up homes and church pews.

 

This economic ripple effect from Mother’s Day shows both the resilience of Lagos’ markets and the deep-rooted reverence for Nigerian mothers.

 

 

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Post-Mother’s Day Push: Activists Target Nigeria’s Skin-Lightening Crisis.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

Mother’s Day on March 30, 2025, in Port Harcourt was more than a celebration of maternal love—it became a launchpad for a growing movement against Nigeria’s skin-lightening crisis. Today, March 31, activists report their efforts are gaining momentum, spurred by a women’s group that seized yesterday’s festivities to distribute “Love Your Skin” pamphlets, urging mothers to reject bleaching creams used by 77% of Nigerian women, according to World Health Organization data.

At a Mother’s Day event hosted by the Rivers Women Empowerment Network (RWEN) in the city’s Mile 1 district yesterday, volunteers handed out hundreds of flyers amid the singing of “Sweet Mother” and gift exchanges. The message was clear: embrace natural skin tones and protect the next generation from a practice linked to severe health risks like kidney damage and mercury poisoning. “Mothers shape our values—why not start with loving ourselves as we are?” said RWEN coordinator Blessing Amadi, speaking to reporters today..

The campaign struck a chord. By this morning, March 31, a viral video testimony from Chioma Nwankwo, a 39-year-old mother of three, had racked up over 50,000 views on Instagram. In the clip, recorded at yesterday’s event, Nwankwo shared how she quit bleaching creams two years ago after her daughters began asking why she “didn’t like her skin.” “I stopped for them—to show them beauty isn’t light skin,” she said, tearing up as the crowd cheered. Her story, hashtagged #LoveYourSkin, has since inspired local schools in Port Harcourt to schedule workshops for April, targeting both mothers and teens.

The skin-lightening crisis, declared a national health emergency by Nigeria’s drug agency in 2023, remains stubbornly entrenched, driven by cultural beauty standards favoring lighter complexions. The WHO’s 77% usage statistic—Africa’s highest—underscores the scale, with a 2025 BMJ study estimating thousands suffer from related health issues annually. Yesterday’s Mother’s Day push tapped into this urgency, framing mothers as key to breaking the cycle.

Today, RWEN reports that five secondary schools, including Government Girls’ Secondary School in Diobu, have committed to hosting “Love Your Skin” sessions, with plans to distribute educational kits funded by donations collected at the Mother’s Day event. “We raised N250,000 yesterday—enough to start,” Amadi said, noting the group aims to reach 1,000 students by mid-year.

For activists, Mother’s Day offered a rare spotlight. “Yesterday was about honoring moms—today, it’s about empowering them to change Nigeria,” Amadi said. As the campaign rolls forward, this post-Mother’s Day push could mark a turning point in the battle against a pervasive health and cultural crisis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cecilia Umoren leads change in Nigeria’s Oil sector.

by Women Times on

 

 

By Prosper Mene 

In the high-stakes world of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, where pipelines crisscross the Niger Delta and global markets hang on every barrel, Cecilia Umoren stands as a beacon of resilience and vision. As Executive Chairman of Millennium Oil and Gas since 2015, she has spent a decade steering the company through turbulent waters—both literal and figurative—while quietly carving a path for women in a sector long defined by male dominance. Her story is one of grit, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, earning her a spot among the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent in 2025.

Umoren’s journey to the top of Millennium Oil and Gas is not just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to the slow but seismic shift unfolding in Nigeria’s energy landscape. The oil sector, which accounts for over 90% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, has historically been a tough arena for women. Yet, under her leadership, Millennium, a player in upstream exploration and production has weathered economic volatility, security challenges, and the global push toward cleaner energy. “It’s not about surviving the storm,” Umoren once said in a rare interview. “It’s about building something that endures beyond it.”

Taking the helm in 2015, Umoren inherited a company at a crossroads. Nigeria’s oil industry was grappling with falling global prices, rampant oil theft, and a government eager to diversify the economy. Her approach was methodical yet bold: streamline operations, invest in local talent, and prioritize sustainability. Over the past decade, she has overseen the development of key assets in the Niger Delta, navigating the region’s complex socio-political dynamics while fostering partnerships with communities often at odds with oil firms. Her tenure has seen Millennium bolster its production capacity, contributing to Nigeria’s fragile but vital oil output recovery—projected to hit 1.8 million barrels per day in 2025, despite setbacks like the recent pipeline explosions in Rivers State.

What sets Umoren apart, colleagues say, is her ability to balance profit with purpose. In an industry criticized for environmental negligence, she has championed initiatives to reduce gas flaring and integrate renewable energy pilots into Millennium’s operations. “The future of oil isn’t just about extraction—it’s about responsibility,” she remarked at an industry summit in Abuja last year. This vision aligns with Nigeria’s broader ambitions under the Petroleum Industry Act, which seeks to modernize the sector while addressing climate concerns.

For Umoren, leadership is personal. Raised in Akwa Ibom, a state rich in oil yet scarred by its extraction, she witnessed firsthand the paradox of resource wealth and local poverty. That perspective drives her advocacy for inclusion, not just for women, but for the communities her industry touches. At Millennium, she has pushed for training programs that elevate female engineers and geoscientists, a move that echoes across an industry where women globally make up only 22% of the workforce. Her efforts earned her accolades this month from the Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Initiative, which hailed her as a trailblazer for African women.

Her rise hasn’t been without challenges. The oil sector’s volatility—exacerbated by incidents like the March 2025 Rivers State crisis, where sabotage slashed output—tests even the steadiest hands. Critics argue her cautious approach to expansion has limited Millennium’s scale compared to giants like Shell or Chevron. Yet, supporters counter that her focus on stability has kept the company afloat where others have faltered. “She’s not here to chase headlines,” says a longtime associate. “She’s here to build a legacy.”

Umoren’s story resonates beyond the boardroom. She joins a growing cadre of Nigerian women reshaping the oil sector—from Elohor Aiboni, Shell Nigeria’s first female MD, to Senator Margareth Chuba Okadigbo, NNPC’s pioneering female chairman. Together, they signal a cultural shift in an industry at a pivotal moment, as Nigeria courts foreign investment (notably from China, with 74 oil-focused firms signing deals in 2024) while grappling with domestic unrest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CBN Governor Highlights Gender Equity Milestone with Women at 35% of Apex Bank Directors.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a landmark stride toward gender inclusion in Nigeria’s financial sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has achieved a significant milestone, with women now constituting 35% of its recently appointed directors. Governor Olayemi Cardoso emphasized this achievement as a testament to the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive leadership, speaking at the grand finale of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja.

Cardoso highlighted the importance of gender equity, describing it as both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. “At the CBN, we are proud to be part of this global movement. Women now make up 35% of recently appointed directors and three out of the seven non-executive board members, showing our firm commitment to fostering inclusive leadership in Nigeria’s financial sector,” he stated. He highlighted that the growing presence of female leaders in top positions across banks and regulatory bodies is reshaping the industry, with the number of female managing directors in Nigerian financial institutions reaching an all-time high.

The event, which marked the culmination of IWD 2025 activities, also featured the “Inspiring Women Award,” an initiative by the CBN’s Change and Culture Transformation Unit (CCTU). Out of 806 nominations nationwide, 28 exceptional female staff members from branches including Awka, Dutse, Yola, Gombe, Oshogbo, Kaduna, Enugu, and Birnin Kebbi were honored for their outstanding contributions. Among the recipients, Deputy Governor Emem Usoro received the prestigious Amazon Award from Cardoso, recognizing her exemplary leadership since taking office.

Cardoso praised the contributions of newly appointed directors such as Daphne Dafinone, Nkiru Balonwu, and Shola Phillips, noting their pivotal roles in navigating complex challenges and shaping the bank’s policy direction. “Increasing women’s representation in leadership is not just ethical; it is a strategic necessity,” he said, adding that the rise of women in leadership at the CBN mirrors a global shift toward diverse and visionary governance.

Deputy Governor of Corporate Services, Emem Usoro, echoed Cardoso’s sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of the IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action.” Citing a World Economic Forum report projecting full gender parity by 2054, she called on institutions to dismantle structural barriers and create opportunities for women. “This year’s program reflects our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and institutional progress,” Usoro remarked.

The CBN’s push for gender equity is in terms with broader efforts to enhance financial inclusion, particularly for women and underserved groups. Recent initiatives, including the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code and a Gender Desk within the Financial Inclusion Unit, shows the bank’s dedication to closing the gender gap in access to finance, a gap currently estimated at 9% in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

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