Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it made significant strides in promoting gender equality, with women now making up 35% of its directors and half of its non-executive board.
Gatekeepers News reports that the achievement was announced by Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the CBN, during the grand finale of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations at the CBN head office.
Cardoso reaffirmed the bank’s mission to achieve gender-balanced leadership, stating, “Increasing women’s representation in leadership is not just ethical; it is a strategic necessity.”
He also noted that the rise of women in leadership at the CBN mirrors a global shift, where skilled and visionary female leaders are reshaping governance.
The Governor specifically recognized the valuable contributions of women across the institution, including newly appointed directors Daphne Dafinone, Nkiru Balonwu, and Shola Phillips. These women have been instrumental in navigating complex challenges and guiding the bank’s policy direction.
Deputy Governor Emem Usoro emphasised the urgency of the IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” citing a World Economic Forum report that projects full gender parity may not be achieved until 2054. She called on institutions to break structural barriers and foster opportunities for women to build sustained momentum in the pursuit of gender equity.
The CBN’s IWD ceremony culminated in the “Inspiring Women Award,” which recognised outstanding female staff across the bank’s branches. Out of 806 nominations, 28 winners were selected, and Usoro received the prestigious Amazon Award for her outstanding leadership.
