As part of the 2025 International Women’s Month celebrations, Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, hosted the quarterly edition of its Business Series event, highlighting the achievements of trailblazing female leaders across various industries.
The hybrid event, held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House, reinforced the bank’s commitment to gender parity, empowerment, and the creation of lasting opportunities for women in business and professional spaces.
The discussion featured an esteemed panel of accomplished women, including the Founder and CEO of Shule Direct, Faraja Kotta Nyalandu; Former Attorney General and Board Chairman of Africa Prudential Plc, Chief (Mrs.) Eniola Fadayomi; award-winning actor and entrepreneur, Nancy Isime; and Managing Director of BOI Investment and Trust Company Limited, Flora Fabyan.
Each panelist shared deep insights into overcoming barriers, navigating career challenges, and fostering financial and professional independence. The conversation underscored the pressing need for systemic transformation, inclusive opportunities, and unwavering support for women striving to leave a mark in their respective fields.
Empowering Women to Shape the Future
Speaking on the importance of education and opportunity, Faraja Kotta Nyalandu highlighted the transformative power of women in society. She emphasized that investing in a woman has a multiplier effect, benefiting not just individuals but entire communities.
“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.”
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu
Her remarks reinforced the notion that women, when given the right tools and opportunities, have the potential to drive remarkable economic and social progress.
Chief Eniola Fadayomi shared her experience as a woman in the legal profession and public service, detailing the additional challenges she faced in an industry historically dominated by men.
“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.”
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu
Her reflections shed light on the persistent biases women encounter in leadership roles, where they must strike a balance between assertiveness and collaboration to be taken seriously.
The Power of Financial Independence
Award-winning actor and entrepreneur Nancy Isime stressed the significance of financial literacy and independence for women. She urged women to take control of their financial futures by making informed investment and career decisions.
“Financial independence is crucial. Your life choices, especially those of you partner with, are critical to building financial stability and generational wealth. Budgeting, investing wisely, and educating yourself are key steps.”
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu
Her advice resonated with many aspiring and established female entrepreneurs, reinforcing the importance of financial security in achieving long-term success.
Chief Flora Fabyan addressed the often-overlooked challenge of balancing career and family life, highlighting the resilience of women who juggle multiple roles.
“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.”
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu
Her perspective reinforced the need for greater workplace policies that support work-life balance, ensuring that women do not have to sacrifice their professional ambitions for personal commitments.
The event also highlighted UBA’s dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity and gender equality. Speaking on the significance of the Business Series, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, commended the bank’s efforts in championing diversity.
“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 the 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.”
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu
As one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, UBA continues to lead in financial inclusion and technological innovation. With a workforce of 25,000 employees and over 45 million customers globally, the bank operates in 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates.
By fostering conversations that spotlight the challenges and successes of women in business, UBA reinforces its commitment to creating equitable opportunities, ensuring that women have access to the resources needed to build lasting legacies.
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