The Executive Director and Group Chief Operating Officer of Pathway Holdings Limited, Mrs. Dolapo Akanbi-Alade, has called for stronger inclusion of Nigerian women in the financial sector as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026.
In a statement commemorating the global celebration, Akanbi-Alade emphasized that while International Women’s Day continues to highlight the importance of gender equality, meaningful progress will only come through deliberate policies, institutional support, and systems that expand women’s access to finance and leadership opportunities.
According to her, many Nigerian women and women-led businesses still face significant barriers to financial access, which limits their ability to grow enterprises and contribute fully to national economic development. She noted that targeted initiatives that improve women’s participation in finance are essential to building a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.
Akanbi-Alade stated that Pathway Holdings remains committed to empowering women by providing access to investment advisory, asset management, and lending solutions designed to support institutions, high-net-worth individuals, and businesses. She stressed that ensuring women and women-led enterprises can access such opportunities is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s financial landscape.
She further noted that women’s access to finance should not only be seen as a social responsibility but also as a strategic economic priority, adding that expanding financial inclusion for women will significantly boost national productivity and long-term economic growth.
Mrs. Akanbi-Alade is a co-founder of several financial services companies under the Pathway Holdings Group. These include Pathway Asset Management Limited, a firm registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a Fund and Portfolio Manager. The company offers a range of investment products and services including Pathway Fixed Deposit Notes, Privately Managed Notes, Pathway Private Portfolio Management, Investment Advisory services, and Mutual Funds which are expected to be launched soon.
She also co-founded Pathway Advisors Limited, a company registered and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission as an Issuing House and financial advisory firm. The company provides services in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, financial advisory, rating advisory, and project and structured finance.
Another company within the group is Fundbox Financial Services Limited, a wholly owned micro-lending institution providing short-term personal and SME loans to salaried individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Its services include Cars4Cash financing, SME loans, personal loans, and group employee loan schemes. Fundbox has successfully supported numerous individuals and businesses through its lending solutions, helping clients meet financial needs and expand their operations.
Pathway Holdings Limited serves as the investment holding company within the group and focuses on private market investments including private equity, private credit, and infrastructure. The firm develops customized investment solutions for institutional investors and individuals, leveraging extensive industry experience and strong local expertise.
Akanbi-Alade reiterated that advancing women’s participation in finance will require collaboration between the private sector, government institutions, and financial stakeholders to create sustainable pathways for women to access capital, build wealth, and lead within the financial ecosystem.
