Executive director of investment banking and subsidiaries at NOVA Merchant Bank, Funke Okoya, has been appointed chairperson, Women’s Empowerment Commission of the Women in Finance Nigeria.
Mrs Okoya’s appointment is expected to drive initiatives that advance women’s cause, pursuit of financial literacy and inclusion for women while promoting gender parity.
The appointment was announced at a recent signing of the international partnership/affiliation with the Women Working for Change. Four other new executives were appointed.
The Women Working for Change is an organ of the African CEO Forum.
The newly appointed executives were selected from committed senior executive members of the organisation and have been charged with the specific duty of chairing the association’s five new commissions.
Speaking at the event, chairperson, Women in Finance Nigeria Toyin Sanni said, “We are very excited about the launch of these important commissions under the leadership of these dynamic senior executives as well as the election of our new national secretary all of whom served creditably, over time at WIFNG.”
Okoya who expressed excitement at the appointment said, “This appointment is designed to speak to the yearnings of women in Nigeria and further enrich the conversation around capacity building, provide access to finance, broaden value realization, add relevance, recognition and network for women.”
She added that the expanded executive committee demonstrates the association’s commitment to supporting women across the country by providing leadership and sustainable professional development for women, through creative coalition and partnerships with international women organisations like Women Working for Change.
While congratulating Okoya on her appointment, chairman of NOVA Merchant Bank, Phillips Oduoza, said: “Funke has been at the forefront of gender diversity, sustainability and female inclusion. As a board, we are glad for the recognition which will elevate the commission to the next level under her chairmanship.”
