United Bank for Africa hosted a special edition of its quarterly Business Series on Thursday at the UBA House to commemorate International Women’s Month, focusing on the theme of the “Evolved Woman”.
The hybrid event brought together accomplished female leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to discuss how women are redefining leadership, ambition, and success within the modern African context.
Opening the session, the bank’s Group Head of Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, encouraged women to move beyond traditional expectations and take bold steps in leadership.
“We shy away and wait to be invited, but that’s not what’s happening anymore. Women are now taking a stand and stepping up. They’re not waiting to be asked; they are volunteering and making themselves known,” Nwoga said.
The discussion was moderated by media personality and actor Tobi Bakre, who emphasised that the idea of the “Evolved Woman” goes beyond meeting societal expectations.
“When I think about the evolved woman, I personally do not see a checklist or a finish point. In my own opinion, it is a woman who is grounded in her own self-worth and gives room for other women to be grounded in theirs, choosing herself daily and ultimately letting other women around her know and believe that they belong here too,” he said.
A panel session featuring industry leaders explored themes of autonomy, growth, and leadership among women.
Speaking during the discussion, founder of ORÍKÌ Group, Joycee Awosika, highlighted the importance of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.
“That woman does not need to ask to sit at the table; she is creating her own table and adding value. As your company is growing, you must grow too and always do an audit of where you need to become a better leader,” Awosika said.
Digital entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye also noted the evolving role of women in business and leadership.
“The question of what a woman is bringing to the table has now become obsolete, as the evolved woman is now bringing their own table. She is now more vocal about their struggles and setting the standards, and she is not ready to give up on her dreams,” she said.
Other panelists included Olufunke Davies, founder of Fine-Funky, and broadcaster Ayo Mario-Ese, who shared insights on women’s empowerment and leadership development.
During the event, UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, introduced the bank’s new Gen W platform. The initiative is designed as a lifestyle platform providing women with practical resources, expert insights, and financial support.
According to Ladipo, the platform will also offer loans and discounted products to women, regardless of whether they currently bank with UBA.
Reflecting on the broader goal of the initiative, she emphasised the importance of community and collective support among women.
“Raising each woman up is actually not that hard because everyone has their community as well as their story, and so as women, we need to take a position so that we can give to others,” Ladipo said.
The event highlighted the growing role of women in shaping leadership, business, and social change across Africa while encouraging them to embrace confidence, collaboration, and self-worth.
