As part of activities to mark the 2025 International Women’s Month, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc held the quarterly edition of its Business Series event where female leaders from diverse industries shared personal insights on overcoming systemic challenges, driving change and redefining success.
The hybrid event, which was held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House, reinforced the bank’s commitment to supporting and championing gender parity, creating opportunities and empowering women to build lasting legacies in their careers and businesses.
The panel featured a line-up of inspiring and accomplished women, including Founder and CEO of Shule Direct who joined from Tanzania, Faraja Kotta Nyalandu; former attorney general and Board Chairman of Africa Prudential Plc, Eniola Fadayomi; award-winning actor and entrepreneur, Nancy Isime and Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI) Investment and Trust Company Limited, Flora Fabyan.
Each panellist offered profound reflections on how they succeeded in navigating their careers and businesses against all odds, tackling gender bias, and unlocking financial and professional independence, thus underscoring the urgent need for inclusive opportunities and systemic transformation.
In her submission, Nyalandu reflected on the powerful role women play in shaping the future, emphasizing 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 opportunity to transform a girl or woman’s life by enabling them to unleash their potential through education, learning, and opportunities. Could you give us the platform and space? If you don’t, women will strive to take it,” she stated.
Fadayomi who recounted her journey through the legal and public sectors in Nigeria, stated: “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 who spoke on the importance of financial independence for women, advised women on the need to create a niche for themselves and to think outside the box.
“Financial independence is crucial. Your life choices, especially those you partner with, are critical to building financial stability and generational wealth. Budgeting, investing wisely, and educating yourself are key steps,” she said.