UBA Business Series celebrates female leadership with ‘Gen.W: The Evolved Woman’

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc hosted a high-profile edition of its quarterly Business Series on Thursday, gathering accomplished female leaders and entrepreneurs to explore the shifting paradigms of leadership under the theme “Gen.W: The Evolved Woman.”

The hybrid event, held at the UBA House in Marina, Lagos, and broadcast to a global audience, served as a cornerstone of the bank’s activities marking International Women’s Month.

The session focused on how African women are redefining success through innovation and sustainable impact within their respective industries.

In her opening remarks, UBA’s Group Head of Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, described the evolved woman as a proactive individual who takes charge, volunteers, and ensures her voice is heard amidst societal noise.

This sentiment was echoed by the event’s moderator, popular media personality and actor Tobi Bakre, who characterized evolution not as a final destination, but as a state of being grounded in self-worth and creating space for other women to thrive.

The event featured a diverse panel including Joycee Awosika, founder of ORÍKÌ Group; digital entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye; Olufunke Davies, founder of Fine-Funky; and award-winning broadcaster Ayo Mairo-Ese.

The panelists shared candid reflections on their professional struggles and ultimate growth. Joycee Awosika emphasized that an evolved woman possesses deep self-awareness and does not wait for an invitation to the table, but rather builds her own. She urged leaders to commit to personal growth and regular leadership audits as their companies scale.

Tomike Adeoye and Ayo Mairo-Ese both addressed the importance of visibility and self-advocacy. Adeoye noted that women are becoming more vocal about their challenges and are setting higher standards for their dreams, while Mairo-Ese encouraged women to overcome the hesitation to showcase their achievements.

She advised women to own their narratives, define their unique offerings, and remain open to strategic collaborations.

Similarly, Olufunke Davies highlighted the value of research and relatability in business, advising aspiring entrepreneurs to begin with available resources and embrace the natural progression of their ventures.

Closing the event, UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, introduced the "Gen W" platform as a dedicated lifestyle resource for women.

She explained that the initiative is designed to support women building brands and leading industries by providing expert insights, real-life stories, and access to discounted products and loans.

Ladipo emphasized that the platform is inclusive and accessible to all women, regardless of whether they hold a UBA account, reinforcing the bank’s broader commitment to mentorship and the empowerment of a new generation of African female leaders.