Okonjo-Iweala, Oteh Call For Women’s Political, Economic Empowerment At WIMBIZ Conference
By BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has urged women to take charge of their destinies and lead transformative change across business, governance, and society.Speaking at the 24th Annual Conference of the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), held with the theme “Own, Walk, and Nurture (OWN)”, Okonjo-Iweala emphasised that women must take responsibility for their paths, lead with courage, and uplift others as they rise.“To own is to take responsibility; to walk is to lead with courage; and to nurture is to lift others as we rise,” she said.The hybrid conference drew over 3,000 participants, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and thought leaders from diverse sectors, to explore how women can own their journeys, walk in purpose, and nurture lasting impact for future generations. Women Must Lead Transformation — Oteh In her keynote address, former World Bank Treasurer and past Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Arunma Oteh, called on Nigerian women to deliberately own their journeys and take active roles in unlocking the nation’s extraordinary potential. Oteh stressed that when women own their journeys, nations prosper. “We must be deliberate about owning our journeys, walking in purpose, and nurturing a bright future for generations to come. That is the only way Nigeria can thrive in today’s unprecedented world,” she declared. She commended WIMBIZ’s sustained advocacy for women’s representation, describing the organisation’s efforts as instrumental in amplifying the collective voice of women and promoting accountability in leadership. “One of WIMBIZ’s most important achievements is its advocacy that has deepened understanding of the value of women’s participation in nation-building,” Oteh noted. Lamenting the “unacceptable” underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political structure, Oteh cited global statistics ranking the country 143rd out of 144 nations in women’s political participation. She urged women to become politically active ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying, “We cannot continue to complain and stay away. When women lead, societies make greater progress.” Oteh also called for the continent’s economic diversification, urging African nations to channel their wealth toward the prosperity of their people through technology, mineral industrialization, and inclusion. “We must change the narrative by owning our economic journey,” she added. Fiscal Ownership and Economic ResponsibilityChairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, described WIMBIZ as “a beacon of authenticity and empowerment,” linking the conference theme to fiscal ownership and accountability.
“Owning your story means making informed decisions without being swayed by external narratives. It’s about authenticity — in business, in leadership, and even in your tax obligations,” he said. Oyedele clarified aspects of Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms, assuring that new policies would reduce the tax burden on small businesses and low-income earners from 2026. According to him, “From next year, businesses with annual revenue below ₦100 million will pay 0% corporate tax, no VAT, and no withholding tax.” He disclosed that the government had introduced 50 new reliefs and exemptions to cushion economic pressures, urging women entrepreneurs to obtain Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) to benefit fully. “Compliance doesn’t mean money will be taken from your account; it gives you access to opportunities. That’s how developed nations grow,” he explained. Lagos Commits to Gender Inclusion Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, commended WIMBIZ for its consistent role in promoting women’s leadership since 2001. “This platform has become synonymous with empowerment, excellence, and elevation of women in leadership. Lagos is proud to host it again,” she said. Ambrose described the theme “Own, Walk, Nurture” as both a philosophy for leadership and a call to action, reaffirming the state’s commitment to gender inclusion. She revealed that over 40 percent of Lagos State Executive Council members and more than half of its permanent secretaries are women — competent professionals driving policy and service delivery. The state, she added, is implementing unconscious bias awareness tools and gender sensitivity frameworks across ministries to ensure equitable hiring and decision-making. “When women rise, economies grow. When women lead, communities thrive. And when women own, walk, and nurture, nations transform,” she concluded. •Dr. Arunma Oteh and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
