In celebration of International Women’s Month 2025, Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, hosted its quarterly UBA Business Series, bringing together trailblazing female leaders from diverse industries to share powerful insights on breaking barriers, driving change, and redefining success.
Held on Thursday at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA House, Lagos, the hybrid event underscored the bank’s unwavering commitment to gender parity, empowering women, and creating opportunities for them to build enduring legacies in their careers and businesses.
The panel featured accomplished women, including Faraja Kotta Nyalandu, Founder and CEO of Shule Direct in Tanzania; Chief (Mrs) Eniola Fadayomi, Former Attorney General and Board Chairman of Africa Prudential Plc; Nancy Isime, award-winning actor and entrepreneur; and Mrs. Flora Fabyan, Managing Director of BOI Investment and Trust Company Limited.
Each speaker shared candid reflections on navigating their careers and businesses amid systemic challenges, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive opportunities and meaningful transformation.
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu emphasized the profound impact of empowering women, stating:
“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.”
Reflecting on her career in law and public service, Chief Eniola Fadayomi recounted the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.
“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 much as a man. When you’re collaborative, they say you’re weak. When you’re assertive, they say you’re too aggressive. Women must capitalise on their strengths to succeed in their fields.”
Actress and entrepreneur Nancy Isime urged women to take charge of their financial future.
“Financial independence is crucial. Your life choices, especially who you partner with, are critical to building financial stability and generational wealth. Budgeting, investing wisely, and educating yourself are key steps.”
Chief Flora Fabyan highlighted the resilience of women in managing both work and family responsibilities.
“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.”
Speaking on the significance of the event, Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.
“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 nations prosper. While progress has been made, there is still much work to do—and UBA remains dedicated to accelerating that progress.”
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in Africa’s financial sector, with 25,000 employees and over 45 million customers globally. Operating in 20 African countries, as well as the UK, USA, France, and the UAE, UBA continues to lead in financial inclusion and innovation, setting the pace for the future of banking.