United Bank for Africa Plc hosted a landmark edition of its quarterly Business Series on Thursday at the UBA House in Lagos, marking International Women’s Month with a focus on the “Evolved Woman”.
The hybrid event, which brought together accomplished female leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, served as a platform to redefine leadership, ambition, and success within the modern African context.
Opening the session, UBA’s Group Head of Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, challenged attendees to move beyond traditional expectations of waiting for an invitation to lead.
“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 stated.
The event, moderated by media personality and actor Tobi Bakre, emphasised that the concept of the “Evolved Woman” is rooted in self-worth and communal support rather than a predefined checklist. Bakre remarked, “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.”
During a panel discussion featuring industry leaders, including ORÍKÌ Group founder Joycee Awosika, digital entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye, Fine-Funky founder Olufunke Davies, and broadcaster Ayo Mario-Ese, the conversation shifted toward the necessity of autonomy.
Addressing the common metaphor of a ‘seat at the table’, Joycee Awosika asserted, “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.”
Tomike Adeoye echoed this shift in perspective, noting, “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.”
UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, introduced the bank’s new Gen W platform, a lifestyle initiative offering practical resources, expert insights, and financial support, including loans and discounted products, available to all women regardless of their banking status.
Reflecting on the broader goal of the initiative, Ladipo noted, “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.”
Leave a comment