Dr. Osahon Okunbo, Project Director of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and Founder of The Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF), has called for stronger systems, deeper collaboration, and expanded opportunities to support women’s full participation in Nigeria’s creative economy.

Okunbo made the remarks during a High-Level Ministerial Fireside Conversation held on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom. He emphasized that meaningful progress is rarely achieved in isolation and is best driven through partnerships among institutions, leaders, and practitioners.

“Meaningful progress rarely happens in isolation. It happens through partnership, through institutions, leaders, and practitioners deciding to work together around a shared understanding of both the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead,” he said.

While Nigeria’s creative industries continue to gain global recognition, Okunbo noted that structural gaps still limit the full participation of women, particularly in accessing support systems and growth opportunities. Many women are often pushed out of momentum at critical stages of their careers due to caregiving responsibilities, limited networks, and inadequate institutional support.

“When you strengthen the conditions around women’s participation in an industry, you do not only advance equality; you strengthen the entire economy around that industry,” he stated.

Okunbo also highlighted a new strategic partnership between The Osahon Okunbo Foundation and the SheThrives initiative, aimed at building stronger systems and networks to help women-led businesses grow and scale within the creative economy.

“Our hope is that through this collaboration, we can build stronger systems and networks that allow women not only to participate but to grow, lead, and build lasting enterprises within the creative economy,” he added.

The event was organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and the Labour African Network.