As part of the event commemorating the International Women’s Month 2025, the United Bank of Africa (UBA) plc, a global bank in Africa, held a quarterly edition of the business series, where pioneering female leaders from various industries share personal insights on overcoming systemic challenges, driving change and redefining success.
The hybrid event at the Tony Elumelu amphitheater in UBA House reinforces the bank’s commitment to support and advocate for gender equality, create opportunities, and empower women to build a lasting legacy in their profession and businesses.
The group features inspiring and accomplished women, including founder and CEO of Shule Direct, who joined from Tanzania; Faraja Kotta Nyalandu, former Attorney General and Chairman of the Board, Africa Prudential Plc, Chief(Mrs) eniola fadayomi; award-winning actor and entrepreneur, managing director of Nancy Isime and BOI Investment and Trust Company Limited, Mrs Flora Fabyan.
Each group member highlights the urgent need for inclusive opportunities and systemic transformations on how they successfully navigate their careers and businesses to various difficulties, address gender bias, and unlock financial and professional independence.
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu reflects the powerful role women play in shaping the future, emphasizing the importance of education and opportunity: “The hand of the swing cradle is the hand that dominates the world. Enhancement of a woman’s abilities has a chain reaction; in her family’s health and community. My phone call today is to make everyone believe in the opportunity to change the life of a girl or woman through education, learning and opportunity to unlock her potential. Give us the platform and space. If you don’t, women will try to accept it,” she said.
Chief Eniola Fadayomi, who recounted her journey in the law and public sector in Nigeria, said: “At that time, a woman in the legal space. Being attorney general every day was a battle and being a woman made it even harder. You have to prove yourself twice as much as a man. When you work together, they say you are weak. When you are confident, they say you are too aggressive, so I believe that women should use overtime to get some of the advantages of success in their field.”
Nancy Isime talked about the importance of financial independence to women, suggesting that women need to create a niche for themselves and use it out of the box. “Financial independence is crucial. Your life choices, especially those you work with, are essential to building financial stability and generational wealth. Budget, wise investment and self-education are key steps.”
Chief Flora Fabyan highlighted the balancing behavior of many female masters, noting: “Women are naturally trained to juggle multiple roles. Managing family and work requires being present and making decisions that benefit both areas. Over the years, you will learn to handle these responsibilities effectively.”
Speaking about the importance of the event, UBA’s team leader, marketing and company communication praised the bank for hosting the event, saying that UBA continues to advocate for diversity and inclusion, promoting an environment in which women are capable of leading and leading departments in various departments.
“At UBA, we recognize the crucial role women play in shaping the economy, businesses and families. This event underlines our unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women at all levels. We believe that when women thrive, businesses, communities and even countries thrive. Today’s discussion is a powerful reminder that despite the progress, there is still much work to be done – and UBA remains committed to accelerating this progress.”
United Bank is one of the largest employers in the continent’s financial sector, with a wide range of 25,000 employees worldwide serving 45 million customers. Operating in twenty African countries and in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing state-of-the-art technology.
