The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has emphasized the need to integrate women into socio-economic planning, stating that their entrepreneurial skills and innovative ideas are critical to industrial growth and national development.
She made this assertion while delivering a keynote address at the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women in Business Luncheon held in Lagos. The event, themed “Accelerating Action for Sustainability,” brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for empowering women in business.
Salako-Oyedele decried the undervaluation of women’s contributions to the economy, despite their central role in shaping industries, policies, and communities. Citing a United Nations report, she noted, “Women globally perform three times more unpaid care work than men, yet their economic contributions are often overlooked. If we truly seek sustainable development, we must place women at the heart of our economic policies.”
Addressing wage disparity, she identified pay inequality as one of the biggest barriers to women’s economic empowerment, particularly in the private sector.
“Ensuring equal pay is not just about compliance, it is about creating an economy where talent, hard work, and competence are rewarded fairly, regardless of gender. When we close the pay gap, we unlock economic potential, strengthen households, and build a more just and prosperous society,” she stated.
She further stressed that workplace harassment and discrimination discourage many women from advancing in their careers. To combat this, she called for stricter workplace protections and enforcement mechanisms that ensure women feel safe and valued in professional environments.
Commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to economic diversification and inclusive growth, Salako-Oyedele acknowledged renewed efforts to support entrepreneurship, expand financial access, and foster a business-friendly environment.
She urged business leaders to take deliberate steps in promoting women in leadership, adding, “We must mentor, invest in, and uplift the next generation of female leaders to ensure that the path ahead is clearer and stronger than the one we are currently navigating.”
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, representing the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, alongside Mrs. Hawau Usman, highlighted the government’s role in implementing gender-responsive policies. They emphasized the importance of mentorship and collaboration in fostering emerging women leaders.
The representative of Lagos First Lady, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the wife of the Commissioner for Transportation, Mrs. Oyinkan Osiyemi, described the program as a vital step toward gender equality. They reiterated that “accelerating action means going beyond discussions and implementing concrete policies that promote equal opportunities for women in leadership, business, and governance.”
French Consul General, Mr. Laurent Favier, underscored the key role of women in leadership and reaffirmed France’s commitment to women empowerment in Nigeria. He noted that the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce was established to enhance collaboration and create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Speaking on behalf of Zenith Bank’s GMD/CEO, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, the bank’s Executive Director, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankpa, emphasized the need for sustainable policies that support women. She called on stakeholders to “set attainable targets and implement policies that address the systemic challenges women face in leadership positions.”
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