Business series: UBA champions diversity, as Speakers underscore importance of gender parity
As part of the activities commemorating the 2025 International Women’s Month, Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, hosted the quarterly edition of its Business Series event, where pioneering female leaders from diverse industries shared personal insights on overcoming systemic challenges, driving change, and redefining success.
The hybrid event, held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to advocating gender equality, expanding opportunities, and empowering women to establish enduring legacies in their careers and businesses.
The panel featured a distinguished group of accomplished women, including the Founder and CEO of Shule Direct, Faraja Kotta Nyalandu, who joined from Tanzania; 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, Mrs Flora Fabyan.
Each panellist provided profound reflections on how they successfully navigated their careers and businesses despite obstacles, tackled gender bias, and unlocked financial and professional independence, reinforcing the urgent need for inclusive opportunities and structural transformation.
In her remarks, Faraja Kotta Nyalandu spoke on the powerful influence women wield in shaping the future, stressing the importance of education and opportunity: “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 possibility of transforming a girl or woman’s life by enabling them to realise their potential through education, learning, and opportunities. Give us the platform and space. If you don’t, women will strive to take it,” she asserted.
Chief Eniola Fadayomi, reflecting on her journey through Nigeria’s legal and public sectors, stated, “Being a woman in the legal profession at that time was difficult. Every day as Attorney General was a battle, and being a woman made it even more challenging. You have to prove yourself twice as much as a man. When you’re cooperative, they say you’re weak. When you’re assertive, they say you’re too aggressive. I believe women should take advantage of certain strengths that have been ingrained in them over time to excel in their fields.
Nancy Isime, discussing the importance of financial independence for women, advised them to carve out a niche for themselves and adopt innovative thinking. “Financial independence is crucial. Your life choices, especially who you partner with, play a key role in achieving financial stability and building generational wealth. Budgeting, making wise investments, and continuous learning are essential steps.”
Chief Flora Fabyan underscored the multitasking skills many women naturally develop, stating, “Women are inherently 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 balance these responsibilities effectively.”
Speaking on the significance of the event, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, praised the bank for organising the forum, noting that UBA remains dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion while fostering an environment where women are empowered to excel and lead in various sectors.
“At UBA, we acknowledge the vital role women play in shaping economies, businesses, and families. This event reinforces our unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting women at all levels. We believe that when women succeed, businesses, communities, and entire nations flourish. Today’s discussion serves as a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work ahead—and UBA remains committed to accelerating that progress.”
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in Africa’s financial sector, with a workforce of 25,000 and a global customer base exceeding 45 million. With operations in twenty African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA offers retail, commercial, and institutional banking services while driving financial inclusion and leveraging cutting-edge technology.
