As part of the 2025 International Women’s Month celebrations, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc hosted its quarterly Business Series, where female leaders from various industries shared insights on overcoming challenges, achieving financial independence and driving systemic change.
The hybrid event, held on Thursday at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House, reinforced the bank’s commitment to championing gender parity, creating opportunities and empowering women in their careers and businesses.
The panel featured Founder and CEO of Shule Direct, Faraja Nyalandu, Former Attorney General and Board Chairman of Africa Prudential Plc, Chief (Mrs) Eniola Fadayomi, award-winning actress and entrepreneur Nancy Isime and Managing Director of BOI Investment and Trust Company Limited, Mrs. Flora Fabyan.
Each speaker shared insights on navigating professional challenges, overcoming gender bias and achieving financial and career success.
Nyalandu emphasized the transformative power of education and opportunity, stating, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
“Empowering a woman has a ripple effect on her household, her family’s health, and the community. My call today is for everyone to believe in the opportunity to transform a girl or woman’s life by enabling them to unleash their potential through education, learning, and opportunities. Give us the platform and space. If you don’t, women will strive to take it.”
Fadayomi, recounting her journey in the legal and public sectors, highlighted the additional struggles women face in male-dominated spaces.
“Being a woman in the legal space at that time was challenging. Every day as an Attorney General was a battle, and being a woman made it even harder. You have to prove yourself twice as hard as a man. When you’re collaborative, they say you’re weak.
“When you’re assertive, they say you’re too aggressive. So I believe that women should capitalise on some advantages that have been ingrained in them over time to be successful in their fields.”
Isime, speaking on financial independence, urged women to take control of their economic futures. “Financial independence is crucial. Your life choices, especially who you partner with, are critical to building financial stability and generational wealth. Budgeting, investing wisely, and educating yourself are key steps.”
Fabyan addressed the challenge of balancing professional and personal responsibilities, saying, “Women are naturally trained to juggle multiple roles. Managing home and work requires being present and making decisions that benefit both spheres. Over the years, you learn to juggle these responsibilities effectively.”
UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to promoting gender equality and supporting women across various industries.
“At UBA, we recognise the vital role women play in shaping economies, businesses, and families. This event underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women at every level. We believe that when women thrive, businesses, communities, and even nations prosper.
“Today’s discussion serves as a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to do—and UBA remains dedicated to accelerating that progress.”
UBA, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, employs over 25,000 people and serves more than 45 million customers across 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates.
