The Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria (SEC) has lauded the instrumental role women play in the growth and development of the nation's capital market. Emomotimi Agama, the Director-General of the SEC, speaking at the commission's International Women's Day celebration themed 'Give to Gain' in Abuja, commended the dedication and professionalism of female staff members. He stated that their contributions have been crucial in strengthening the commission's operations and enhancing the overall performance of the capital market.

Agama highlighted that women within the SEC have demonstrated initiative by forging their own paths. "The women of the SEC have not waited for a seat at the table; they have built the table," he remarked. He further elaborated that these female staff members have contributed their knowledge, experience, and commitment to ensure the Nigerian capital market remains robust, transparent, and accessible to a wider investor base. The Director-General acknowledged women across various departments, including analysts, legal experts, compliance officers, and leadership positions, such as Executive Commissioners Ms. Frana Chukwuogor and Hajia Samiya Hassan Usman, and Non-Executive Commissioner Ms. Omolola Bridget Oloworaran, describing their contributions as the "bedrock of our success."

According to Agama, the dedication of women in the SEC has enabled the organisation to respond effectively to economic shifts and maintain stringent regulatory oversight. "They have given their intellect, their resilience and their foresight to navigate economic shifts and to regulate with a steady hand. In doing so, they have gained us a market that is more robust, more transparent and more inclusive," he explained. The 'Give to Gain' theme, he added, perfectly encapsulates the impact women have made through their service. By contributing their expertise and time, they foster a fairer, more efficient market and mentor the next generation, thereby deepening the talent pool in the industry. Their advocacy for inclusive finance, he noted, contributes to an economy that benefits everyone.

The SEC Director-General also indicated that the efforts of these women have elevated not only their individual careers but also the standard of capital market regulation across Africa. He assured staff that the commission would continue to champion policies that promote gender equality within the financial services sector, aiming to break down leadership barriers and create an environment where all women can flourish. Agama urged all staff to embrace the 'Give to Gain' spirit daily, supporting their female colleagues to build a capital market that truly reflects society.

Echoing these sentiments, Frana Chukwuogor, Executive Commissioner for Legal and Enforcement, commended the often-unnoticed yet vital contributions of women within the SEC. She celebrated their resilience and the value they bring to their work, stating, "All the faces in this room, we see you, we know you and we celebrate you. We know the contributions that you make, the resilience and the value you bring to bear in the work that you do." She encouraged staff to give their best and support one another, aiming for a reciprocal level of contribution.

Chukwuogor also took the opportunity to warn the public against illegal financial schemes, commonly known as Ponzi schemes, urging vigilance and the reporting of such operators. She emphasized that legitimate investment opportunities exist within Nigeria's capital market and advised against patronizing schemes promising unrealistic returns. "We have various products available in the capital market for investment; Nigerians do not need to patronise these illegal schemes," she stated.

Mr. Bola Ajomale, Executive Commissioner for Operations, further emphasized the significant role women play in the workplace, particularly their adeptness at multitasking. He affirmed that the SEC is deliberately working to support women and create opportunities for their success. "Women are good at multi-tasking and in our determination to have a world-class capital market we need such skills and that is why we are deliberate about encouraging women to succeed here at the SEC," Ajomale said. He also encouraged female staff to mentor younger colleagues, fostering career development within the organization. He concluded by stressing the need for all staff to be thoughtful and resourceful in their responsibilities to strengthen both the commission and the capital market.