Sanwo-Olu, Sanusi for Nigeria2Equal Gender Leader Awards

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will lead other dignitaries to the inaugural edition of the Gender Leader Awards (GLA) slated for Thursday, June 15, 2023, in Lagos.

The event is organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited. It is in commitment to promoting action toward enhancing gender equality and mainstreaming increased opportunities for women in leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship in the Nigerian private sector.

Being implemented under the Nigeria2Equal (N2E) program, the GLA is designed to recognise and celebrate private sector companies leading the way in gender equality performance.

The hybrid event will bring together C-Suites, captains of industry, capital market regulators, policymakers, and investors among others.

Speaking on the awards, IFC Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Kalim M. Shah, said, “The Gender Leader Awards highlight the inspiring commitment of CEOs and other business leaders to building a more inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“IFC is proud to partner with NGX on the Nigeria2Equal program and on this important award, which underscores IFC’s ongoing commitment to equal opportunities for both men and women in Nigeria’s private sector.”

On his part, the chief executive of NGX, Mr Temi Popoola, said, “The awards epitomise our collective commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable private sector ecosystem in Nigeria.

“As we champion gender equality through Nigeria2Equal, we recognise private sector organisations that have demonstrated exceptional performance in advancing gender-focused initiatives.

“The awards will amplify the accomplishments of our partnership with IFC, showcase and celebrate the remarkable strides made towards gender equality by NGX listed companies.”

NGX as the sustainable exchange championing Nigeria’s development, and IFC, in line with their commitment, will continue to promote action toward closing the gender gap in Nigeria and increasing the participation of women across leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship.