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ACGPN seeks more women in corporate governance

Governor-Akinwunmi-Ambode

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

The Association of Corporate Governance Professionals of Nigeria has called for policy formulation and deliberate efforts towards creating more opportunities for women in corporate governance.

The group noted that only five per cent of women were currently chief executive officers in corporate organisation in the country.

The ACGPN spoke in Lagos during the annual edition of its Women in Governance Summit.

It pointed out that there was a need to bring more women to leadership positions in the corporate world in order to proffer solutions to organisations’ problems.

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Tunde Lemo, who was the keynote speaker at the event, said good governance would helps firms to improve their performance, drive growth, manage risks, attract and retain investors, and weather financial crisis.

Lemo, who spoke on the theme, ‘Breaking the glass ceiling in the boardroom campaign’,  said, “I am particularly delighted that this policy dialogue is aimed at removing existing or perceived barriers in women attaining the zenith of their chosen carrier in public or private sector.

“To be truly effective, a board requires a diversity of skills, cultures and views to make smart decisions with lasting impact. A research shows that a board set of business benefits is associated with gender diversity on corporate boards.”

He added, “Our experience in Nigeria has been mixed. I believe we have lost tremendous opportunities in the last few decades by not optimising the opportunities available in women who constitute about 50 per cent of the Nigerian population.

“The burning issue is why are there a low percentage of women in politics and leadership? Why is there need for women to acquire critical skill? Today, gender disparity gap is closing and the glass ceiling is fast disappearing in progressive countries. It is imperative that adequate space be created in leadership for women.”

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, in his goodwill message, commended the organisers of the summit, saying that the programme was aimed at promoting issues relating to women empowerment and rights advocacy.

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