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By Henry Uche
Economic, management and leadership experts have maintain that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable economic growth and inclusive national development unless women are given a stronger voice in decision-making, planning, leadership and policy formulation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of Women in Management and Leadership (WIMLEAD) conference 2026, put together by the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) in Lagos, with the theme, ‘Give Voice, Gain Change: Women Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future’, these experts reiterate that women remain a vital force in driving innovation, entrepreneurship and economic productivity.
They stressed that expanding women’s participation across the public and private sectors would not only accelerate national development but also foster more inclusive governance, stronger institutions and a more resilient economy. They called for deliberate policies and sustained action to eliminate barriers that limit women’s full participation in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.
At the conference, women trailblazers drawn from all walks of Life during a cross fertilization of ideas sessions, cautioned that they are not just seeking for increased numbers of positions nor to drag anything with men, but their voices should be acknowledged and given top priority because they have been tested and proven achievers across different sectors of the economy.
In his address, the President/Chairman of Council of the Institute, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), curiously said that, in spite of the hard work women have put in and the gains they have made in management and leadership, they are still discriminated against at the top across many professions.
“There is a compelling need for women’s voice to be heard in order to drive change and help shape the nation’s economic future. It is time to do away with the stereotypes and strait jackets women have been boxed into. Conscious effort must be made by all concerned to encourage women instead of impeding their march to the top. I am convinced that women are not asking to be gifted management and leadership positions but are only demanding a level playing field to compete favourably because they possess all it takes to excel at the top”
Speaking on the topic; ‘Building the Next Generation of Change Makers Through Economic Inclusion, the Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Dr. Kola Adesina, informed that the future belongs to societies that unlock the potential of all their people, not just a privileged few.
Adesina decried the sorry state of the country which manifests in unequal access to opportunity, high poverty and informality, limited access to finance, underutilised talent uneven participation, among other challenges bedeviling Nigeria.
“Economic inclusion requires coordinated action from stakeholders across government, business, finance, education and civil society to build the next generation of change makers”
The key enablers or drivers are: education and capability (Schools – Universities- government), access to opportunities, private sector and financial institutions, growth and leadership through employers and professional bodies. He urge the federal and state governments to prioritize agriculture, energy, technology, creative, financial services and manufacturing as critical sector that will spur economic growth.
“Nigeria’s next generation of change makers will be built through deliberate economic inclusion, requiring a collective commitment to: Investment in people before problems manifest, ensuring every Nigerian, regardless of gender or background has access to quality education, future-ready skills and lifelong learning.
“We must expand access to opportunity, by removing barriers to finance, entrepreneurship, decent work and leadership so that talent & skills (not circumstance) determines success”
Be pushed forward to building inclusive institutions, where businesses, governments and communities intentionally create environments that reward merit, embrace diversity and accelerate innovation.
The keynote speaker added that Nigeria must champion women as economic multipliers, recognizing that when women participate fully in the economy, businesses perform better, families prosper and communities become more resilient.
“We must create a culture of sponsorship, not just mentorship, where today’s leaders intentionally open doors, share influence and develop the next generation of leaders. We must work together to build an economy where everyone can contribute, everyone can thrive and every talented Nigerian has the opportunity to become a change maker” he echoed.
L-R: Taiwo Ganiyat Olusesi, Registrar/Chief Executive, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered); Dr. Kola Adesina, GMD, Sahara Power Group & Guest Speaker; Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), President Chairman of Council, NIM; and Mrs. Clara Ijeoma Okere, National Treasurer, at the 2026 Women in Management and Leadership (WIMLEAD) conference, Lagos.
