Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and McKinsey & Company, has urged the adoption of deliberate policies to boost women’s representation in governance, policymaking, and corporate leadership.
The call was made at the 2025 graduation of the WimBoard Mentoring Program, which saw 198 women complete its sixth cohort under the theme “Make Impact, Build Legacy.”
Representing CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Dr. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, commended WIMBIZ for widening opportunities for women in leadership. She stressed that leadership is not about titles but about influence, decision-making, and creating lasting systems.
Cardoso noted Nigeria’s progress in financial inclusion, with women making up 77% of account holders, only slightly behind men, but emphasized the need for cultural and policy shifts to make inclusivity the norm.
Keynote speaker Hakeem Ogunniran, CEO of Eximia Realty, urged the graduates to embrace integrity, courage, and service, describing legacy as the impact leaders leave in people and communities.
McKinsey partner Ricky Asemota presented findings from the firm’s first Women in the Workplace Nigeria Report, which revealed that women account for just 33% of entry-level private sector roles and 29% of managerial and board positions, warning of a “leaky pipeline” as many exit senior roles due to lack of support.
The report called for gender-focused reforms such as mentorship schemes, flexible work policies, and accountability frameworks to retain women in leadership.
WIMBIZ leaders, including Board Chair Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi and WimBoard Committee Chair Mrs. Hilda Nkoh, urged the graduates to step forward with confidence, share their board-ready profiles, and take their place in leadership.
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