For too long, women have had limited access to financial tools and information — yet learning more about wealth through stocks is a powerful step towards financial freedom and security.
I have always believed that money conversations should be accessible, especially for women who often experience limitations with building wealth. Oftentimes, we’re made to believe investing is too risky or too complex. Time and again, I’ve seen how these perceptions hold women back from building long-term wealth. That belief inspired me to write this piece — to show that investing doesn’t require millions, only the courage to start.
To get valuable insights from an expert, I spoke with Engr. Achiever Omoobajesu, an investor and financial educator. Her journey from saving ₦5,000 to building a thriving investment portfolio worth millions offers both inspiration and practical lessons.
The reality for women investing in Nigeria
While more women are beginning to explore investing, the gaps remain wide in Nigeria. On i-invest, a popular investment platform, women make only about 32% of transactions. A 2025 report further revealed that only 35% of Nigerian women have access to formal financial services, compared with 55% of men. Many women still rely on personal savings instead of building wealth through structured investment. A study reveals that 40.2% of Nigerian women fund their businesses solely from their own savings. These numbers do not reflect a lack of ability; they indicate the need for women to rewrite the narrative.
The challenges women encounter are real and often deeply rooted in society. Conversations about money and investing have long been considered men’s domain. “It’s a story we inherited,” Omoobajesu explains. “In the past, men dominated the banking and finance sectors while women were expected to trade or stay at home. That shaped the perception that investing isn’t for women. However, that narrative is shifting. In reality, there’s no space where women can’t dominate.”
She points out that women face unique financial realities. From unequal pay to career breaks for caregiving and maternity, women are more likely to have interrupted earnings and smaller savings to work with. “I’ve seen women lose everything when a husband dies or loses his job because they had no savings or investments in their name. Having your own investments and emergency funds is not just about independence; it’s about protecting yourself, your children and breaking the cycle of poverty.”
Combine the lack of visible role models in the investing world with a persistent fear of losing money, and it’s no surprise that many women feel hesitant to get started. Omoobajesu points out that these barriers are not permanent walls but hurdles that can be cleared with the right mindset and tools.
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The key to building wealth: start small
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Gaining knowledge through education is the first step; understanding how investments work can significantly reduce fear and uncertainty. When Omoobajesu first began saving as a teenager, she thought she was doing the right thing — tucking away money whenever she could. Soon, she realised she was simply “gathering money” without a plan. Inflation kept eating into her savings. She wanted something more. That was when she turned to investing.
“I started with just ₦5,000,” she says. “Most Nigerians don’t believe you can begin investing with that little. However, it’s not about the size of your first step — it’s about being consistent and patient.” Setting aside even a small percentage of income builds confidence over time, and Omoobajesu recommends at least 10-20% of your income.
Access to digital platforms has also made it easier for women to bypass old gatekeepers and take control of their own portfolios. We can now use tools and platforms that make investing accessible — low fees, automatic reinvestment, and good customer support.
And perhaps most importantly, Omoobajesu believes that when women talk openly about money, it builds confidence. “Sharing financial knowledge and supporting each other creates the role models future generations will need.” She also stresses the importance of patience — investing is not about overnight success, but about letting compounding interest multiply over the
“Investing is not about the size of your first step — it’s about being consistent and patient.”
Today, Omoobajesu has grown these baby steps into a thriving portfolio. She also runs a platform that helps others, especially women, understand money and investing. Her message is simple: growing wealth through stocks isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a long-term journey of patience, learning, and discipline.
Expert tips for women looking to invest in the stock market
Omoobajesu began her journey by buying stocks on the Bamboo app, three years ago. She emphasises that owning stock is not gambling. It’s about informed decision-making and participating in companies you believe in. “When you buy shares, you’re a shareholder — part of the company’s story.
For women looking to begin their journey, here are Omoobajesu’s recommendations.
Nigerian stocks: Faster returns and more local information at your fingertips.
US stocks: A hedge against inflation and exposure to global companies.
Mutual funds: A safer entry point for beginners, with professional managers handling the investments.
Most importantly, she insists: start now, no matter your age or income. “It’s never too late, and it’s never too early. Even if all you can put aside is 10% of what you earn, let it work for you.”
Reinvest earnings. If you get dividends, reinvest them. If your stock value rises, consider staying invested rather than cashing out. Through consistency, Omoobajesu grew ₦5,000 into a portfolio worth millions by staying in the market, reinvesting her gains, and weathering its ups and downs.
Diversify. Don’t put all your money in one company. Spread risk across sectors or even countries if possible.
Keep learning. Markets change. New tools appear. The more you know, the better decisions you can make.
“It’s never too late, and it’s never too early. Even if all you can put aside is 10% of what you earn, let it work for you.”
What having wealth can mean for women
Building wealth through stocks is about more than numbers. For many women, it’s about security and having a cushion in emergencies. It’s about creating freedom to make choices for themselves and their families. It’s about leaving something behind.
So yes, start small. Yes, be patient. However, also believe in your capacity to grow. You deserve to own your future. To make decisions, take risks, and learn. And in doing so, to build a foundation that lasts.
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