As the world marks International Women's Day in 2026 under the theme 'Give to Gain', the conversation in Nigeria extends beyond symbolic gestures to tangible representation and the broader security environment in which businesses operate. This theme suggests that true progress requires investment and a shift in perspective, moving past simple quotas to meaningful inclusion. The recent activities of key Nigerian organizations provide a snapshot of this evolving landscape, where women are stepping into visible leadership positions.
In the maritime sector, the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi. This high-level engagement underscores the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria's security apparatus and private industry leaders. Notably, Dr. Afolabi was represented during this visit by the Group Coordinating Director, Mrs. Wummi Eniola Jegede, placing a woman at the forefront of this strategic dialogue. Such representation at the executive level is a practical example of the 'Give to Gain' principle in action within corporate Nigeria.
Similarly, in the sphere of community and welfare organizations, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Mutiat Disu formally assumed office as the 23rd Indigenous President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) on a recent Tuesday. Her leadership role within this influential association highlights the critical, often understated, part women play in supporting national institutions and fostering community resilience. These appointments, occurring in the lead-up to International Women's Day, reflect a gradual but visible shift in who holds authority and influence in various sectors of Nigerian society.
However, the path to inclusive progress is fraught with modern challenges, particularly in the digital realm. Last month, the observance of Safer Internet Day on February 10 focused on the theme 'Smart tech, safe choices', a timely reminder of the risks accompanying technological advancement. The global context is alarming, with projected cybercrime costs reaching a staggering $10.5 trillion this year. This figure underscores the immense economic threat posed by malicious online actors, a threat that directly impacts national and business security.
The vulnerability is acutely felt across the African continent. More than 70% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa report experiencing at least one attempted cyberattack, indicating a widespread regional vulnerability. For Nigeria, the threat is quantified with even greater specificity: businesses in the country face an average of 3,759 cyberattacks per week. This relentless digital assault creates a hostile environment for economic growth and innovation, demanding robust security measures from all enterprises, regardless of their leadership composition.
Amidst these security concerns, Nigerian business leaders continue to be recognized for their foundational contributions to the nation's digital economy. Mitchell Elegbe, the Founder and Group Managing Director of Interswitch Group, was recently conferred the 2025 Silverbird Special Achievement Award. The award was presented at the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards ceremony held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Elegbe's work, which began with founding Interswitch in 2002, has been pivotal in shaping Nigeria's electronic payments landscape.
The convergence of these events—women assuming key roles, escalating cyber threats, and the celebration of tech pioneers—paints a complex picture of Nigeria's current trajectory. True gender inclusion, as suggested by the 'Give to Gain' theme, involves not just placing women in positions but ensuring those positions are within secure and thriving enterprises. The cyberattack statistics reveal a critical battlefield where business continuity and national economic health are constantly tested, making security a prerequisite for any meaningful inclusion strategy.
Ultimately, the stories of Mrs. Jegede representing SIFAX, Mrs. Disu leading POWA, and the cybersecurity data exist on the same continuum of national development. They highlight that progress is multidimensional: it requires breaking glass ceilings while also fortifying digital walls. As Nigeria navigates these dual imperatives, the lessons of International Women's Day 2026 remind us that giving opportunity and ensuring safety are not separate goals but interconnected necessities for a gainful future.
