Lagos, Nigeria – United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc hosted an impactful edition of its Business Series, reaffirming commitment to gender empowerment.
This event celebrated the 2025 International Women’s Month while showcasing UBA’s dedication to supporting women in diverse professional fields.
Held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House, the event provided a platform for accomplished female leaders. These leaders shared valuable insights regarding overcoming systemic challenges, driving meaningful change, and building enduring legacies in their respective sectors.
The high-profile session featured an impressive lineup of speakers, who inspired attendees with their experiences and wisdom. Among them were Tanzanian entrepreneur Faraja Kotta Nyalandu, Chief (Mrs) Eniola Fadayomi, Nancy Isime, and Mrs. Flora Fabyan.
By gathering such influential women, UBA fostered a robust dialogue on gender empowerment and leadership. This collaborative spirit not only celebrates achievements but also encourages further progress toward equality in the business landscape.
Advancing Gender Parity and Leadership
Throughout the discussion, the speakers underscored the critical need for gender parity, financial independence, and strategic career growth. They called for institutional support to dismantle existing barriers that hinder women’s progress in leadership and professional spaces.
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu highlighted the transformative potential of education and opportunity in empowering women. “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. When you empower a woman, you impact families, businesses, and entire communities. If given the platform, women will not only rise but also redefine leadership,” she said.
Chief Eniola Fadayomi reflected on her experiences navigating the legal and public sectors in Nigeria, emphasizing the biases women in leadership often face. “Women in leadership must constantly prove themselves. If you are collaborative, you’re seen as weak; if assertive, you’re called aggressive. Women must leverage their strengths to break through these biases,” she stated.
Financial Independence: A Key to Empowerment
Nancy Isime, known for her multifaceted career as an actress and entrepreneur, stressed the importance of financial independence for women. “Your financial security determines the choices you make in life. Budget wisely, invest strategically, and never stop learning,” she advised.
Flora Fabyan addressed the challenges of balancing professional and personal responsibilities, noting that women are naturally equipped to multitask and make strategic decisions that benefit both spheres. “Managing home and career is a delicate balance, but women have an innate ability to excel in both areas,” she remarked.
UBA’s Commitment to Gender Equality
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to fostering an environment where women can thrive. “At UBA, we recognise that when women succeed, businesses, communities, and economies flourish. This event is a testament to our unwavering support for gender equality and the advancement of women in all sectors,” she said.
With operations in 20 African countries and beyond, UBA continues to lead initiatives in financial inclusion and technological innovation while championing diversity in leadership. The bank’s Business Series serves as a platform to spotlight the challenges and triumphs of female leaders, reinforcing the urgent need for systemic transformation.
A Call for Lasting Change
The event concluded with a collective call to action for organizations and individuals to support gender empowerment initiatives. By addressing systemic barriers and amplifying the voices of women leaders, UBA aims to ensure that women not only break barriers but also leave lasting legacies across industries.
As International Women’s Month continues to inspire global conversations on gender equality, UBA’s Business Series stands out as a significant contribution to advancing the cause of women’s empowerment across Africa and beyond.