By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has said that the key to achieving sustainable growth is through renewed commitment to unlocking the potentials of women.
Mahmoud who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Barrister Asma’u Mukhtar stated this on Friday as the 2025 Abuja Business and Investment Expo draws to a close.
She highlighted such potentials as immense creativity, resilience, and leadership displayed by women entrepreneurs and innovators during the Expo Women’s Day session.
She noted that this year’s theme, “Empowering Sustainable Growth: Unlocking Potentials in Emerging Markets,” is apt, emphasizing the collective goal of building an inclusive, robust economy driven by women’s ingenuity.
According to her, “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.”
The minister urged participants to transform the insights and connections gained during the Expo into concrete actions, while calling for innovation, collaboration, and investments to position Abuja as a beacon of sustainable business growth across Africa.
Mahmoud also commended the organizers, Abuja Investments Company Limited, led by Group Managing Director, Ambassador, Dr. Maureen Tamuno for the strategic efforts to attract investments that expand opportunities for women and youth in the Federal Capital Territory.
She, however, thanked all participants for their commitment to a prosperous and inclusive future for the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria.
On her part, the Group Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited, Amb. Maureen Tamuno, revealed that the Expo for Women’s Day was designed to honour the courage, resilience, and contributions of women to sustainable growth and inclusive development.
Tamuno told women to see themselves as equal drivers of change, not just as recipients of grants or donations, adding that women must contribute financially and otherwise 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, however, acknowledged that men must be included in the discourse on women’s empowerment, just as she noted that gender balance is not just a women’s issue; it is a development issue.
Tamuno also commended the FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike for his efforts towards ensuring women’s rights and equality.
