Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment, describing it as a key driver of corporate success and social stability.
Speaking at a seminar to mark International Women’s Day 2026, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, said the bank’s over 20-year focus on gender-focused initiatives has become a defining part of its corporate culture and service delivery.
Addressing the theme, “Gender Equity as a Business Imperative: The Give to Gain Advantage,” Lawal stressed that empowering women creates far-reaching benefits for society and the economy.
“This theme speaks to a timeless truth: that the greatest progress societies make often begins with what we are willing to invest in others. When we give opportunities, we gain innovation. When we give support, we gain resilience. And when we give women the tools to thrive, we gain stronger families, stronger institutions, and stronger economies,” he said.
Lawal also highlighted the bank’s strong record in social advocacy, particularly its two-decade campaign against breast cancer. He noted that such efforts go beyond corporate responsibility and reflect a deeper commitment to protecting women and strengthening communities.
The bank has also embedded women’s empowerment into its business strategy through initiatives such as its flagship Pearl product and the Women Connect Monthly Series, both designed to support female entrepreneurs.
In her welcome address, Executive Director Abimbola Ozomah described female empowerment as a strategic necessity rather than a symbolic gesture.
“At Polaris Bank, we firmly believe that empowering women is not merely a social responsibility; it is a strategic imperative. When women rise, institutions grow stronger, perspectives become richer, and innovation flourishes,” she said.
The seminar featured contributions from industry leaders, including Tomi Somefun, the immediate past Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank Plc. She urged women to treat every opportunity as a valuable investment and make meaningful impact in their roles.
Entrepreneurship expert Belinda Indimachi also cautioned against what she described as the “crisis of the ‘me’ era,” encouraging women to focus on meaningful contributions and leadership presence.
Through these initiatives, Polaris Bank continues to position itself as a strong financial partner for women, particularly within the SME sector, offering both funding and advisory support to help women-led businesses scale and compete globally.
