By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for more gender-focused initiatives, describing gender equality as an economic necessity.
The Lagos Governor, who was a guest at the inaugural edition of the Gender Leader Awards (GLA) in Lagos on Thursday, charged organisations and the government to create gender-focused initiatives that will result in increased opportunities for women in leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship in the Nigerian private sector.
He noted that no nation can achieve its full potential without harnessing the full opportunity women present, commenting on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for championing the course of gender equality.
“Gender equality is not only a normal imperative but also an economic necessity, as it is essential for sustainable development and the overall prosperity of our nation.
“Therefore, I am proud to say that Lagos State is at the forefront of these efforts, and we are dedicated to promoting initiatives that empower women and girls and provide equal opportunities for all. We know that women face challenges, but when they do, they face them squarely.
“We have also seen that when women are in the picture, things move faster, we get value, and we see quicker and better results,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.
He thereafter commended the companies who participated in the Nigeria2Equal programme while reassuring that his administration is willing to partner with more organisations that focus on promoting interest in women and the girl child in society and the country at large.
“Your unwavering dedication to reducing gender gaps and fostering a more equitable workplace inspires us all.
“As you celebrate your accomplishment, let us keep instilling beliefs around gender diversity and continue to challenge the status quo, break down barriers and ensure that men and women alike have equal opportunity to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
Earlier in her opening remark, the Regional Director for Central Africa, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone at IFC, Ms Dahlia Khalifa, citing a World Bank report, said the global economy suffers a staggering loss of $172 trillion, and that is due to the disparities in lifetime earnings between women and men, a loss that all economies are suffering.
“When an ecosystem provides equal opportunities for women and men, more women thrive and can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth. Increasing women’s participation in leadership positions can foster diversity,” Ms Khalifa said.
On his part, the chief executive of NGX, Mr Temi Popoola, said all stakeholders in the market and society have a responsibility to drive change within organisations and society at large.
“We must employ our influence to advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality. We must challenge the status quo and actively work towards dismantling the systemic barriers that hold women back,” he said.
The GLA was designed to recognise and celebrate private sector companies leading gender equality performance. The hybrid event brought together captains of industry, capital market regulators, policymakers, and investors.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya