By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has asked women to take the driver’s seat in transforming Abuja’s investment and enterprise landscape, saying gender inclusiveness remains central to sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the closing session of the 2025 Abuja Business and Investment Expo, Mahmoud said the time has come for women to move beyond token empowerment narratives and play leading roles in shaping viable businesses and markets.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Barrister Asma’u Mukhtar, the Minister said, “we believe that sustainable development cannot be achieved without gender inclusiveness. When women are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and access to capital, the entire economy benefits.”
She commended the creativity, resilience, and leadership displayed by women entrepreneurs during the Expo’s Women’s Day session, describing their ingenuity as critical to building a more inclusive and robust economy.
Mahmoud urged participants to translate the insights and connections gained from the Expo into concrete business actions, while calling for innovation, collaboration, and stronger investments to position Abuja as “a beacon of sustainable business growth across Africa.”
She also expressed appreciation to the organisers, Abuja Investments Company Limited, AICL, led by Group Managing Director, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, for championing programmes that expand opportunities for women and youth in the FCT.
On her part, AICL’s Group Managing Director, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, said the Women’s Day session of the Expo was designed to honour women who continue to drive sustainable growth and inclusive development.
Tamuno told women to see themselves as “equal drivers of change, not just as recipients of grants or donations,” insisting that women must contribute “financially and otherwise in order to make growth sustainable.”
“These platforms empower female entrepreneurs and professionals by providing connections to investors and mentors, directly supporting the theme of women driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
“At AICL, we believe that genuine empowerment includes all voices. Through these initiatives, we ensure that everyone participates in the FCT’s development journey,” Tamuno added.
She further noted that men must be part of the empowerment conversation, stressing that “gender balance is not just a women’s issue; it is a development issue,” while commending the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his support for women’s rights and equality.
