BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ginscon Construction Company Nigeria Limited (GCC) and Casa Chanan Petroleum Development Company Ltd (CCPDCL), Barr. Chioma Nwakor, has called for greater participation of women and young people in Nigeria’s construction industry and other critical sectors, describing them as essential contributors to national development.
Nwakor, who was among the award recipients at the second edition of the National Industrial Manpower Summit (NIMS 2026), said Nigerian women had the capacity to excel in traditionally male-dominated industries if provided with the necessary encouragement, opportunities and support.
She made the remarks while speaking with journalists at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the summit’s award dinner.
Describing the summit as one of the best events she had attended in Nigeria, the construction entrepreneur commended the convener, Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Industrial Training and Development, for his commitment to the initiative.
She said the success of the previous edition and the improvements recorded at the 2026 summit demonstrated the organisers’ determination to build on their achievements and create a more impactful platform for stakeholders in industrial training, manpower development and economic growth.
According to her, the quality of the event reflected the vision and dedication of the convener, expressing optimism that the initiative would continue to grow and attract greater recognition.
Nwakor particularly appreciated the recognition she received as a woman operating in the construction industry, describing the sector as challenging for women in Nigeria.
She said her journey in the industry had not been easy but expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to contribute to the sector and have her efforts recognised.
“For a woman to be recognised in the construction industry, which has been a very challenging sector for women in this country, means a lot to me. It has not been easy, but I give all the thanks and praise to God,” she said.
The businesswoman explained that her presence at the event was also a demonstration of support for the organisers, particularly Ayinde, whom she said had invested considerable effort in ensuring the success of the summit.
She disclosed that she had recently lost her sister-in-law and would otherwise have found it difficult to attend the programme, but decided to honour the invitation and support the initiative.
Nwakor said she also wanted her participation to encourage other women to pursue their ambitions, particularly in industries where female participation remained relatively limited.
She urged women not to allow the challenges associated with their chosen professions to discourage them from pursuing their goals, emphasising that determination, faith and perseverance could help them overcome obstacles.
The chief executive also called on Nigerian youths to recognise their importance in national development, describing them as a major source of the country’s strength, energy and future prosperity.
According to her, young people have enormous potential to contribute to economic growth, innovation and industrial development if they are properly motivated and given opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.
“Our youths are the strength, the energy, the fuel and the face of this country. The sooner they recognise that, the better. We have a lot to give,” she said.
She maintained that young Nigerians did not necessarily have to wait for special privileges or favourable circumstances before making meaningful contributions to society.
Instead, she encouraged them to take gradual but deliberate steps towards achieving their ambitions, stressing that consistent effort and a willingness to learn could help them make a difference.
Nwakor further urged young people to take advantage of opportunities in the construction industry and other sectors, noting that their energy, creativity and enthusiasm could contribute significantly to national growth.
She said Nigeria needed to create an environment that would motivate young people to participate actively in productive ventures, acquire relevant skills and develop the expertise required to meet the demands of a changing economy.
The business executive expressed confidence that Nigeria could achieve greater progress through the collective efforts of government, private-sector operators, women and young people.
She also expressed optimism about the country’s future, praying that Nigeria would continue to improve and provide better opportunities for its citizens.
The second edition of the National Industrial Manpower Summit, held on October 15 and 16, 2026, at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, was convened by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Industrial Training and Development.
The summit, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Human Capital for Industrial Transformation: Building Skills, Driving Innovation and Creating Prosperity,” brought together stakeholders from government, industry and other sectors to discuss strategies for developing Nigeria’s workforce, strengthening industrial capacity and promoting sustainable economic growth.
