NIGERIAN Exchange Group Celebrates IWD with Concluding Gong Ceremony

NIGERIAN Exchange Group (NGX) along with its subsidiaries has celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) by embodying ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ with its closing gong ceremony. The theme of the event was ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ that focuses on individual actions, interactions, behaviours in addition to mindsets. This shall speed up the progress alongside impacting the advancement of women across every aspect.

The Event partners includes:

1. International Finance Corporation (IFC)

2. UN Women

3. The United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria (GCNN)

4. Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS)

5. Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS)

6. SterlingOne Foundation

7. Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON)

This partnership brought various female industry leaders together within the ecosystem. The event was all about raising awareness about value of investing in women that shall help them to grow even faster in addition to inspire inclusive leadership along with advocating for gender responsive policies.

Divisional Head of Business Support Services Division at NGX, Dr Irene Robinson-Ayanwale, gave the opening remarks while welcoming everyone to the 10th ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality.’

In her remarks, she said, “When I learnt of this year’s theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ it resonates deeply with us. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to establish equal opportunities for everyone while fostering an enabling environment for women across all sectors.”

She continued, “This initiative represents a significant step forward in our efforts to promote gender equality and support women’s economic empowerment. Through innovative financial instruments such as gender bonds, we can mobilise capital towards projects that benefit women and advance gender equality across various sectors of the economy.”

Regional Director of Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa at IFC, Dahlia Khalifa who got represented by Regional Industry Manager of Financial Institutions Group at Anglophone West Africa and Central Africa, Alexandra Celestin also said, “This Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ event highlights the importance of gender equality for economic development and growth. Economies that reduce barriers to women as leaders, employees and entrepreneurs promote inclusive societies and pave the way for sustainable development.”

She added, “Collective, coordinated and bold action by private sector leaders will be instrumental in accelerating progress towards gender parity and igniting greater resilience. IFC continues to collaborate with partners and stock exchanges like the Nigerian Exchange Group to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the private sector.”

The attendees of the event include:

1. Hafsat Rufai, Director, Securities and Exchange Commission

2. Ms Fiona Ahimie, Director, NGX RelCo and second Vice President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers

3. Amina Mohammed, Director, NGX RegCo

4. Onome Komolafe, Divisional Head, Business Services and Client Experience, Central Securities and Clearing System

5. Peju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation

6. Tomilayo Aluko, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, CSCS and Lillian Olubi, Director, NGX