By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Luxury retailers in Nigeria and across global markets have declared women as being central to the future of business, innovation and community growth.
They maintained that the industry’s increasing investment in women goes beyond admiration for elegance and craftsmanship to a strategic recognition of their transformative influence.
The position was echoed, repeatedly, on Monday in Abuja as stakeholders gathered to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day during a press conference marking the 50th anniversary of Raymond Weil and the 19 Hole Group.
Speakers at the event argued that the growing attention to women in luxury spaces reflects a deeper understanding that empowering women not only celebrates their contributions but also unlocks economic and social gains for communities.
The Director of Kare Showroom, Miss Onyekachi Okpara, said the theme of this year’s celebration captures a fundamental truth about empowerment and growth.
According to her, “This year’s theme, Give Today, is about recognizing that when we give, we also gain through connections, opportunities and growth.”
Participants noted that women’s influence stretches across industries and continues to shape innovation, leadership and societal progress.
Nigerian actress and film producer, Monalisa Chinda, described the celebration as an opportunity to honour both style and the strength of women, linking the symbolism of timepieces with the milestones women continue to achieve.
“And today we want to celebrate style. We want to celebrate craftsmanship and the strength of women. So I am honored”, she said.
Continuing, she said, ‘In the celebration of the International Women’s Day and of course, the Women’s month, a watch is more than an accessory. It marks moments.
“It marks achievements and journeys. And that defines us. So today, much like the women, we celebrate this time piece we’re launching also reflects grace.
“It reflects sophistication and enduring value. It reminds us that time is not merely something we measure. It is something we cherish, something we invest in.
“And of course, something through which leaves legacy behind. So today we’re going to be celebrating grace. Today we’re going to be celebrating excellence.
“Today we’re going to be celebrating and of course, collaborating with the time piece Raymond Weil. I’m also celebrating the remarkable women whose presence continues to inspire the world around us”, she added
Also speaking, the Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, Maricel Romero Cantel Jamal, described the gathering as a rare moment where luxury brands unite not just for commerce but to amplify the voices and influence of women.
Her words, “I’m very happy to be here celebrating our month, celebrating Women’s Month.
“It’s not usual to see luxury retailers come together to celebrate partnership and more so to celebrate women.
“So I find this like an opportunity to foster innovation, to foster in causes that matter, to further grow the gender, these demographics that are occupying space.
“And we are here not to just celebrate the beauty and elegance and craftsmanship, but we are also here to give, to gain. So when you give a woman the opportunity, you will gain a lot of development in your community.”
Okpara, in further remarks, stressed that the contributions of women remain indispensable to the functioning of society, describing them as a driving force behind stronger communities and better ideas.
“I’m going to quote someone I heard recently say something. He said that women are the very essence of society because of the women.
And we cannot over-emphasize the importance of women. Today, all month long, all week long for us, we applaud the impact of women in our lives, our communities, our workplaces. This year’s theme, Give Today, is about recognizing that when we give, we also gain through connections, opportunities and growth.
From different industries, we realize that women play unique roles in our world today. We also have the opinion that by empowering women in whatever capacity that we can with opportunities, we gain innovation and excellence. By supporting women-led initiatives in our society, we gain stronger communities.
And by valuing women’s voices, we gain better designs, better ideas, and we can meet the needs of families and children. So we applaud this initiative. This time, we can come together to talk about how to improve the impact of women in our society.”
For the Country Director of Raymond Weil for the Middle East and Africa, Mr. Jose Ramos Amatrian, the collaboration represents the beginning of a new chapter built on the belief that women will continue to shape the future.
“Obviously we’re talking about Women’s and Women’s Month, and I’m very grateful we just start out today with this reasonable speech. I’m very grateful to be supportive with women at Rammobile.
We believe that women are the power of the future. And this is something very interesting. And yeah, last but not least, I would like to say that this is, for me, one of the beginning of a successful story. I know we are in good hands.”
Executive Director of Luxury Group Nigeria, Mr. Cezno Benson, said women deserve recognition every day, noting their influence on families, businesses and society.
“It’s a pleasure to be here, and it’s amazing to have Raymond Weil in Nigeria, I don’t know why we have to have a special day to celebrate women, because I believe women should be celebrated every day”, she said.
Executive Director of the 19 Hole Group, Mr. Zakaa Afolami Ajidahun, linked the relaunch of the Raymond Weil brand in Nigeria to a legacy that dates back decades.
“We are doing a relaunch of this remodel, and it’s very important to the whole 19 group, you know, Remodel is a brand that we have been associated with for several years, and we know the qualities they provide, and in other days, Remodel was very popular in Nigeria in the 70s and in the 80s.
