Okunbo Seeks Expanded Access, Collaboration For Women In Creative Sector

The founder of the Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF), Dr. Osahon Okunbo, has called for stronger systems, deeper collaboration, and expanded access to opportunity to support women’s full participation in Nigeria’s creative economy.

Okunbo, spoke during a High-Level Ministerial Fireside Conversation held on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom. He highlighted the role of partnerships in driving sustainable, long-term progress across the sector.

According to him, meaningful impact is rarely achieved in isolation, but through deliberate collaboration among institutions, leaders, and practitioners working towards shared goals.

“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.

He noted that while Nigeria’s creative industries continue to gain global recognition, structural gaps still limit the full participation of women, particularly in accessing support systems and growth opportunities.

Okunbo pointed out that many women in the sector 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.

He also expressed optimism about a new strategic partnership between The Osahon Okunbo Foundation and the SheThrives initiative, noting that it is designed to strengthen the systems and networks that enable women-led businesses to 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,” Okunbo added.

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