The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, joined forces with leading Nigerian entertainers and professionals—including actress Funke Akindele, singer Waje, dancer Kaffy, percussionist Ara, and singer Yinka Davies—to advocate for increased and strategic investment in women as a critical driver of Nigeria’s accelerated economic growth.
The call was delivered during a high-profile event organized by Wema Bank in Lagos to mark International Women’s Day 2026. The gathering convened business leaders, industry professionals, creatives, and advocates to spotlight gender inclusion, celebrate women’s achievements, and emphasize their indispensable role in building a more prosperous and sustainable economy.
The event was anchored around the official 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give To Gain,” complemented by the local sub-theme “When Women Gain, We Grow.” Discussions centered on practical ways to strengthen institutional frameworks, remove barriers to women’s participation, and channel targeted investments into education, skills development, entrepreneurship, access to finance, and leadership opportunities for women.
In his keynote address, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, underscored that empowering women is both a moral imperative and a powerful economic strategy.
“Empowering women remains a fundamental pillar for sustainable development,” Oseni stated. “The global push for gender equality is not only a social priority but also an economic necessity. When women are given the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive, entire communities and economies benefit. Investing in women is investing in faster, more inclusive, and more resilient growth for Nigeria.”
The First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, echoed the sentiment, urging governments, private sector organizations, and civil society to prioritize policies and programs that uplift women. She highlighted Lagos State’s ongoing initiatives in women’s empowerment, including skills acquisition programs, financial literacy campaigns, and support for women-owned businesses, as models that can be scaled nationally.
Prominent entertainers at the event used their platforms to amplify the message:
Funke Akindele emphasized the importance of women in creative industries and entrepreneurship, sharing how access to funding and mentorship transformed her career and business ventures.
Waje and Yinka Davies spoke about the need for greater representation and investment in female artists to sustain Nigeria’s globally influential entertainment sector.
Kaffy and Ara highlighted the untapped potential in sports, arts, and cultural sectors when women receive adequate support, training, and visibility.
Participants stressed that closing the gender gap in economic participation could add trillions to Nigeria’s GDP over the coming decades, drawing on global studies that demonstrate the multiplier effect of women’s empowerment on household income, child education, health outcomes, and overall national productivity.
The event concluded with renewed commitments from attendees to advocate for gender-responsive policies, expand access to credit for women entrepreneurs, promote STEM education among girls, and foster mentorship networks that connect emerging female leaders with established professionals.
As Nigeria navigates economic recovery, inflation challenges, and the need for diversified growth, voices at the Wema Bank International Women’s Day forum reinforced a clear message: meaningful investment in women is not just an act of equity—it is a proven pathway to national prosperity and shared progress.
