The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to gender-balanced leadership.
He revealed that women now make up 35% of the bank’s directors and half of its non-executive board, marking significant progress from previous levels.
Speaking at the grand finale of the International Women’s Day celebrations at the CBN Head Office, Cardoso emphasized the bank’s commitment to inclusive leadership in the financial sector.
The event concluded a month-long IWD celebration across CBN branches nationwide.
Cardoso said, “Increasing women’s representation in leadership is not just ethical; it is a strategic necessity.
“The rise of women in leadership at the CBN mirrors a global shift, where skilled and visionary female leaders are reshaping governance.
“We at the CBN are proud to be part of this progress.”
The appointment of six new female directors marks a record for the CBN, underscoring Governor Cardoso’s commitment to diverse leadership.
He praised the contributions of women across the institution, particularly the newly appointed directors—Dr. Daphne Dafinone, Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, and Ms. Shola Phillips—whose expertise and strategic insight have been pivotal in shaping CBN’s policy direction, the bank said in a statement.
The CBN governor also acknowledged the leadership of existing female directors, highlighting their vital role in driving the bank’s progress.
Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Ms. Emem Usoro, praised the collective effort behind this year’s IWD programme, calling it a strong testament to the bank’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and institutional growth.
Usoro emphasized the urgency of IWD 2025, themed “Accelerate Action,” referencing a World Economic Forum report predicting full gender parity by 2054.
She called on institutions to dismantle structural barriers and create opportunities for women, ensuring sustained progress toward gender equity.
The IWD ceremony concluded with the Inspiring Women Award, an initiative by the Change and Culture Transformation Unit (CCTU) to honor outstanding female staff across CBN branches.
From 806 nominations nationwide, 28 winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process.
Awardees came from CBN branches across Nigeria, including Awka, Dutse, Yola, Gombe, Oshogbo, Kaduna, Enugu, and Birnin Kebbi.
Among them, Deputy Governor Emem Usoro received the prestigious Amazon Award from Governor Cardoso, recognizing her exceptional leadership since taking office.
