Throughout history, the central role played by women has ensured the stability, progress and long-term development of nations. In the 21st century, the issues of gender balance and the need to accord women equal opportunities and allow them achieve their full potentials in the society, have gained more momentum, globally.
Throughout history, the central role played by women has ensured the stability, progress and long-term development of nations. In the 21century, the issues of gender balance and the need to accord women equal opportunities and allow them achieve their full potentials in the society, have gained more momentum, globally.
Dr. Jane Kimemia, MD/CEO, Optiva Capital Partners Ltd; Amb.
To consolidate her professional advancement, she has completed a wealth of leadership, corporate governance, banking and management training programmes across several reputable institutions like the Leishton Academy, Imperial College in London, IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, FITC in Lagos, Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Director , H.
In order to continue to create positive impact in the lives and businesses of all individuals in Nigeria, Wema Bank has carefully tailored her banking products and services to meet the needs of all classes of people at every stage of their lives. For instance, Royal Kiddies Account for children. This account helps parents to save for their children and earn additional interest.
As innovative and technology driven banks, Wema Bank launched Africa’s first fully digital bank ALAT in 2017, to provide customers with an all-encompassing banking experience that extends across the different aspects of their lives. With ALAT customers find solutions that span health, personal and group savings, travel, insurance, lifestyle and transportation.
Beyond loans; Wema Bank also provides financial support for customers to thrive, especially considering economic fluctuation. In fact, the 3rd season of the bank’s “5 for 5 Promo” has given over N60 million to Nigerians across the country over the past seven months and this Promo is still on going. A highly accomplished Group Managing Director with over 20 years of experience leading and scaling businesses in a variety of industries, including tech, telecommunications, cyber security, real estate, finance, FMCG, construction, Power, Oil and Gas.
Can you briefly highlight Kennedia Group’s set objectives, milestones and other remarkable achievements in relation to national economic growth and development? At Kennedia, we take a balanced, financially-disciplined approach that generates long-term value for stakeholders. Our strong credit rating gives us the flexibility to pursue strategic growth opportunities and continuously invest in people, processes, and performance. We attract and retain long-term customers by providing high-quality and professional services and expertise – from individuals to enterprises, local to global.
While women have made substantial gains in the workplace in recent decades, there is clear evidence that women remain under-represented at the top levels of business and politics. However, there is a growing bright spot in senior leadership. Women are as committed to their careers and as interested in being promoted as men at every stage of the pipeline. And at the director level – when the C-suite is in closer view – women and men are equally interested in senior leadership roles.
In your opinion, is there enough awareness on the inherent power of success in women for the sake of aspiring young Nigerians, and what more can government do to increase the success rate of women in the Nigerian society? In politics, women are underrepresented. According to a UN report, only 28 out of 195 countries had female heads of state in 2022. Effective political education can help achieve numerical political equality, particularly in Nigeria, where patriarchy and cultural norms reward stereotypical gender roles. Successful politicians could train young women in public speaking, networking, and setting goals.
Truly, this helped me to work with different segments of the bank. After twelve years in Barclays Bank, I was hired to work in Standard Chartered Bank as the General Manager in charge of Priority and International Banking, still another role that required me to spearhead. I was in charge of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Still in Standard Chartered Bank, I moved on to be Executive Director in charge of Investment Banking, Bank Assurance, FX in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Secondly, to define whom we are, Investment Services and Advisory. This is part of our business, to protect their wealth, to provide solutions for them, to grow their wealth, to get return on investment, to provide opportunity in terms of the products, to diversify their investment in different locations, in different currencies and in different asset classes. Also, it is really an opportunity for our clients to optimize their wealth and ensure that their wealth works for them.
For us, it is important to state that CRS is not something we do in a while, but it is what we engrave in what we do. This is international week, and I am very proud to announce our continued partnership with Lagos State Government, where we are focusing on maternal health. Optiva Capital Partners is contributing to reduce maternal mortality. In fact, national mortality is a big issue in Nigeria, WHO, report shows that Nigeria contributed ten percent to global maternal death.
Equally, Amb. Farida Ahmed is the CEO, LP Events & More – a company that provides exceptional event planning services. Meanwhile, as the Founder, Peace Progress and Unity Global Initiative and Farida’s Charity Foundation, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of people in her community, and beyond.
As a Nigerian, who has dedicated her life to serving her community and making a positive impact on people’s lives, Lady. Farida Ahmed’s exceptional achievements in various fields are a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and service. Based on her unwavering dedication to community service, youth empowerment, and leadership has earned her several accolades and recognition both nationally and internationally.
Furthermore, my parents are generous to the extreme – they can give out anything. I learnt the art of generosity from them. I remember when we were in junior school, my father will buy loads ofschools shoes and share to every pupil in each of the classes where his children were. Therefore, my parents were first inspiration to me becoming a philanthropist. Then, going forward, I discovered God. Although, I was born into Islam, I converted to Christianity.
Concerning how she has been able to navigate her way through the patriarchal male-dominated environment, the indefatigable humanitarian noted that “I am a strong advocate of men’s mental health. Meanwhile, what I have come to realise is that a man who feels intimidated by a female boss or female colleague, is a product of an unfortunate upbringing. For a man not to realize who he is and the gift he has being a man just as it is possible for a “Prince” not to realise himself as a Prince.
Women should endeavour to upgrade themselves from the old into newer version. There is also the need for us to learn something about the hood: parenthood, motherhood, womanhood, sisterhood, etc. Learn from it, pick from it, and polish it to suit your purpose. Women should not neglect their cultural heritage and values in whatever they do. None of my children will greet without doing the proper thing as expected in the Yoruba culture – female kneeling and male prostrating.
At Rock of Ages Properties, where she is currently the Chief Operating Officer, Iquo is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of business which entails the development and implementation of short and long term strategies, as well as formulation of comprehensive business plans which aligns with the vision and mission of the organization to achieve profitable business growth.
Our milestones and achievements include spearheading innovative real estate projects that drive job creation, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment at both local and national levels. One of those, is our 1000 units mass housing projects in partnership with Trade Union Congress , Amongst many other projects in Lagos, Enugu, Port-Harcourt, Owerri, and Abuja.
She explained that “Historically, women have been at the forefront of efforts to educate, empower, and contribute to society, and Nigeria is no exception. Women are redefining, breaking boundaries and making a mark in the Nigeria’s real estate industry. The reality is that Nigeria is undergoing a transformation and so, there are more women participating in the Real Estate market who are challenging traditional norms in a space that was predominantly a male-dominated industry.
On what government should do to protect the rights of girl-child, especially against the backdrop of recent revelations in respect to kidnapping and enforced marriage of underage girls, the indefatigable real estate amazon affirmed that “In light of recent revelations concerning the kidnapping and enforced marriage of underage girls, it is imperative for the government to take decisive action to protect the rights of the girl-child.
Central to my philosophy as Managing Director is the belief in the power of collaboration. I have fostered a culture within Rural Homes Limited that encourages open dialogue, creativity, and teamwork. Through strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders, we have been able to leverage resources and expertise to maximize our impact.
Homes Group is committed to contributing to National Economic Growth and Development by setting objective focused on sustainable real estate development, innovation in marketing strategies, and providing quality service to our clients.
There is a growing awareness of these issues, and more and more people are speaking up for gender equality. We’re seeing movements, organizations, and individuals working towards empowering women and fighting for their rights. It is a collective effort, and by continuing to challenge the status quo, we can create a more equal and just society for everyone. Together, we can make a difference!
However she believed that Government has a crucial role in protecting the rights of the girl-child, especially in light of recent revelations about kidnapping and enforced marriages of underage girls. Part of these include