close
Women Times

Opportunities

GrantCareer

Busha Empowers Female Founders With 6 Million Naira Grant Through Beauty Hut Africa Initiative

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a bid to boost women-led entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s booming beauty sector, digital finance platform Busha has awarded a total of ₦6 million in equity-free grants to three innovative female founders.

 

The funding was disbursed through the second edition of the Beauty Hut Africa Women’s Grant Initiative, which wrapped up with a high-energy live pitch event on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos.

Five shortlisted female entrepreneurs took the stage before a distinguished panel of judges, pitching their business models with passion and precision. The judges—Subuola Oyeleye (Founder of Beauty Hut Africa), Bobe Badaki (Head of West Africa at Uncover), Omolara Dada (Product Marketing Manager at Busha Business), and Abimbola Akerele (Founder of The Nail Boutique)—evaluated entries based on innovation, scalability, market impact, and overall potential.

The winners are:

1st Place – Inveo Labs, founded by Magdalene Ekanem

2nd Place – Tulivu Fragrance

3rd Place – SavedSkin Cosmeceuticals

The grants will fuel product development, research and development (R&D), market expansion, and operational scaling for these beauty brands, helping them move from early-stage growth to sustainable, continent-wide impact.

Subuola Oyeleye, Founder of Beauty Hut Africa, said: “This grant initiative was created to bridge a real gap for women in the beauty industry—access to funding, visibility, and the right support systems to grow. The level of innovation and resilience we have seen from these founders is incredibly inspiring, and we are proud to have partnered with Busha to help bring their vision to life. This is just the beginning of what we believe will be a new wave of scalable, women-led beauty businesses in Africa.”

First-place winner Magdalene Ekanem of Inveo Labs added: “Winning this grant is a milestone for Inveo Labs. Beyond the funding, this platform has given us valuable visibility and affirms the relevance of our work. This support will be directed toward advancing our R&D, expanding our testing infrastructure, strengthening claim substantiation, and further expanding our already existing foundation for high-performance product development.”

The Beauty Hut Africa Women’s Grant Initiative, now in its second year, is designed specifically for women founders or co-founders in the beauty space across Nigeria. With a total grant pool of ₦6 million, it provides not just capital but also mentorship, industry exposure, and strategic support, resources many female entrepreneurs have historically struggled to access.

For Busha, the partnership aligns with its Social Impact Initiative under the Empowerment Pillar. The company, Nigeria’s first SEC-licensed digital asset exchange with over one million users across Nigeria and Kenya, continues to expand its footprint in financial inclusion. Through Busha Business, it offers digital financial tools and infrastructure that help SMEs and high-potential founders scale faster.

Nigeria’s beauty industry remains one of the continent’s most dynamic sectors, driven by rising consumer demand, e-commerce growth, and global interest in African beauty solutions. Yet, access to early-stage capital continues to be a major barrier for women founders. Initiatives like the Beauty Hut Africa Women’s Grant are helping close that gap, one empowered business at a time.

Busha and Beauty Hut Africa have signalled that this is only the start of deeper collaboration aimed at nurturing Africa’s next generation of beauty entrepreneurs. Applications for future editions are expected to open later in the year.

read more
NewsEmpowerment

Juliet Ehimuan Launches RISE: Empowering Women Executives to Claim Enterprise Leadership

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

the Civic Centre in Victoria Island transformed into a powerhouse of purpose and precision as Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, Founder and CEO of Beyond Limits and former Director of Google West Africa, officially launched the inaugural cohort of the RISE Executive Leadership Programme for Women.

More than 100 senior female executives and entrepreneurs gathered for the opening workshop of this six-week intensive programme, designed to propel accomplished women leaders from functional excellence into enterprise-wide stewardship. RISE — Reflect. Ignite. Strategise. Excel. — addresses a persistent leadership gap: while women hold nearly half of entry-level corporate roles globally, they occupy just 28% of C-suite positions, according to McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace 2024 report. In Nigeria’s corporate landscape, particularly in financial services and tech-driven sectors, the need for targeted acceleration at the senior level has never been more urgent.

Dr. Ehimuan, anchoring the day as Lead Faculty, set a tone of unapologetic ambition and clarity. “To live the life you want, you need to define it,” she told the room. “Your life purpose is your gift to the world, and your gift to the world is to be your greatest self.” She urged participants to focus relentlessly on the “what” — the vision and goals — trusting that the “how” would follow.

The faculty lineup read like a who’s who of African boardroom power. Opunimi Akinkugbe, Founder of Bestman Games and former Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, emphasised the power of authentic authority: “Authority is not claimed; it is recognized. People trust what feels real, and at the top, authenticity is not optional.”

Bolaji Agbede, Executive Director at Access Holdings, challenged the women to own their identity without apology. “For us as women, we need to spend time knowing who we are, and we need to be unapologetic about it… nurturing, in its most powerful form, is not about comforting people; it is about helping them discover their greatness and creating the strategic ecosystem that allows them to rise.”

Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder of Terra Kulture and BAP Productions, drove home the importance of executive presence and communication: “Preparation is the foundation of presence. How you carry yourself communicates your authority long before you utter a word… And when you speak, make eye contact. That is where credibility is won.”

The programme’s broader faculty includes heavyweights such as Bola Adesola (Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria), Funke Opeke (Founder, MainOne), Ndidi Nwuneli (President and CEO, The ONE Campaign), Bonita Stewart (Co-Founder and Managing Director, BAG Ventures USA; former Vice President, Global Partnerships at Google), and Ibukun Awosika (Founder, The Chair Centre Group).

Following the high-energy in-person launch, participants will move into a four-week virtual phase focused on navigating stakeholder ecosystems, strategic decision-making in ambiguity, and building organisational culture that scales. The programme culminates in May 2026 with a landmark closing networking evening featuring additional fireside conversations with Bola Adesola, Ibukun Awosika, and other trailblazers.

For organisations, RISE serves as a strategic succession-planning tool to strengthen the female leadership pipeline. For the women themselves, it is a deliberate investment in expanded influence, executive authority, and long-term impact.

Reflecting on the vision behind the programme, Dr. Ehimuan said: “Executive leadership demands continuous growth and the courage to lead with competence and conviction. RISE exists to ensure accomplished women are positioned to define the next chapters of global business.”

Applications for future cohorts and corporate sponsorship details are now open via Beyond Limits at beyondlimits.global/rise.

In a country where women are increasingly driving economic transformation, the launch of RISE signals a bold new chapter — one where the next generation of African leaders is not waiting to be invited to the table, but is being equipped to own it.

read more
Event

Give to Gain: WOHAN Highlights the Critical Link Between Women’s Power and Health

by Women Times on

In a significant milestone for gender discourse in Nigeria, the Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network (WOHAN) convened in Ikeja, Lagos, to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme: *Give to Gain — Empower Her, Elevate All*. The event underscored a vital message: women’s growing influence is undeniable, but its sustainability hinges on prioritizing women’s health and wellness.

The gathering spotlighted two interdependent pillars essential to national progress: professional empowerment and holistic well-being. As Mrs. Adeola Odesanya, WOHAN Chairperson, emphasized, “The rise of the woman professional is not a trend. It is a correction.” Women across sectors are increasingly moving beyond mere representation to exert genuine influence—leading, innovating, and shaping strategic decisions. Their visibility, voice, and leadership are transforming power structures into more inclusive and adaptive models.

Breaking the Myths

A core highlight of the event was the deliberate challenge to longstanding stereotypes about women, both globally and within Nigeria. Mrs. Bunmi Oke, the keynote speaker, addressed these misconceptions directly, presenting compelling evidence that Nigerian women are highly educated, entrepreneurial, politically active, and technologically savvy. They are leading enterprises, influencing policy, and driving innovation across sectors.

Mrs. Oke’s message was clear: “Culture, once seen as a limiting factor, is now being reshaped by the very women it once constrained.” The narrative is shifting from confinement to empowerment, with women redefining their roles in society.

Mrs. Odesanya reaffirmed this perspective, stating that women bring care, accountability, and wholeness to leadership spaces. Mrs. Tolulope Medebem, President of EXMAN, lauded women’s contributions, asserting, “competence is speaking louder today than bias. Women are not just participating; they are delivering measurable impact.” She stressed, however, that women must be willing to step forward, cautioning against delaying opportunities due to perceived unpreparedness. “If we keep waiting to be ready, we may keep waiting forever,” she said.

Mrs. Medebem also praised the Out-of-Home (OOH) sector for its strong representation of women-led businesses, describing it as both encouraging and instructive for Nigeria’s marketing ecosystem. The event was attended by notable figures, including Chief Sola Akinsiku, President of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria, and Chief Emmanuel Ajufo, founder of WOHAN, alongside panelists such as Mrs. Seyi Layade, Mrs. Brenda Nwagwu, Abimbola Ijaniyi, and Temitope Runsewe.

The Health Crisis We Ignore

Amid these strides, an urgent and often overlooked issue emerged—women’s health. Dr. Oluyemi Taiwo, Medical Director and CEO of Orile Agege General Hospital, Lagos, underscored that health must be recognized as a critical infrastructure for sustained success. “Health directly impacts energy, productivity, confidence, and longevity,” she emphasized.

Despite advancements, women worldwide continue to face significant health challenges. Globally, women spend a disproportionate amount of their lives in poor health, with far-reaching economic and societal consequences. The data presented painted a sobering picture: cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women globally, with hypertension affecting many Nigerian women. Cancers such as breast and cervical cancer continue to claim lives due to late detection and inadequate screening. Reproductive health issues and rising mental health concerns—including stress, anxiety, and burnout—are impeding women’s productivity and overall quality of life.

A Call for Preventive Wellness

Speakers called for a paradigm shift from reactive healthcare towards proactive, preventive wellness. Key recommendations included:

– Regular medical check-ups and screenings
– Monitoring vital health indicators
– Prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being
– Adopting sustainable nutrition, rest, and physical activity practices

“Small actions,” experts stressed, “can create meaningful and lasting change.” Integrating health into daily routines is essential for empowering women to sustain their influence and leadership roles.

Persistent Barriers

Despite increased awareness, systemic challenges remain—time constraints, financial burdens, caregiving duties, and cultural expectations often push women’s health to the background. Many delay seeking care, increasing their vulnerability to preventable risks.

The Bigger Picture

A compelling insight from the sessions was that empowerment without health is unsustainable. Conversely, health without empowerment is incomplete. The future belongs to women who are not only rising but are also healthy, supported, and equipped to lead effectively.

The narrative of today’s woman is transforming from one of limitation to that of possibility, progress, and power. Achieving this vision requires a fundamental shift: viewing women’s health as a national priority, not just a personal concern. When women rise and remain healthy, nations do not just grow—they thrive.

The event concluded with the inauguration and swearing-in of new WOHAN executives, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to these ideals.

 

read more
EmpowermentUncategorized

Empowering Women in Business: Konga Communications Backs LSE Alumni Lagos’ Groundbreaking Breakfast Event

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In celebration of women’s leadership and inclusivity, Konga Communications documented the inaugural Women Business Leaders Breakfast organised by LSE Alumni Lagos.

The intimate yet impactful gathering, held in March to mark International Women’s Month, brought together top business executives, academic leaders, and change-makers for candid conversations on empowering women in African business.Facilitated by Gozy Ijogun, Managing Director of Task Systems and a passionate advocate for women’s networks, the event created a vibrant platform for dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration.

Attendees explored the realities of leadership, the value of consistency, and the urgent need to close gender gaps in business.A standout moment was the fireside chat between Gozy Ijogun and global leader Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro. The conversation was described as candid, warm, and deeply relatable, touching on navigating leadership as a woman, the quiet power of persistence, and the importance of self-belief.

Dr. Kanyoro further urged deliberate and intentional action to create more opportunities for women in business.Dr. Paroma Bhattacharya highlighted the London School of Economics’ (LSE) vision for fostering communities that nurture women’s leadership. LSE President and Vice Chancellor Larry Kramer reinforced the message, stating that no society can truly thrive without fully empowering its women—an ethos reflected in LSE’s commitment to inclusive academic programmes.

Leadership and Career Coach Ema Clark offered practical insights, acknowledging the unique challenges women face while emphasising the transformative role of strong support systems. Industry heavyweights added significant depth: Leo Stan Ekeh, Founder and Chairman of Zinox Technologies, shared strategies for building sustainable, tech-driven businesses in the 21st century, stressing innovation, adaptability, and long-term vision.

Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa, spoke on the intersection of personal and organisational leadership, encouraging women to own their growth journeys with accountability, resilience, and intentional positioning.The session culminated in an interactive “One Ask, One Offer” exercise, where participants shared needs and resources, transforming the room into a dynamic, living network of mentorship and support.Speaking on her motivation, Gozy Ijogun said: “It was important to build a strong network of support for women in business,” noting that the impressive gathering itself was proof of that vision.

Konga Communications, aligning with its mandate to promote enterprise, innovation, and inclusive stories across Nigeria and Africa, was on ground to capture and amplify the event. The organisation views such initiatives as vital drivers of change and remains committed to spotlighting moments that inspire collaboration.

This groundbreaking breakfast underscores the growing momentum of women-led initiatives within Nigeria’s business ecosystem, powered by global networks like the LSE Alumni community. As conversations continue beyond the event, the connections forged promise to fuel meaningful impact for women leaders across the continent.

 

 

read more
OpportunitiesEmpowerment

Moniepoint Kicks Off Sixth Women in Tech Internship with “There Is Space for You” Campaign

by Women Times on

 

Moniepoint Inc., Africa’s fastest-growing financial institution and a leader in digital financial services, has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 edition of its Women in Tech internship programme. Now in its sixth year, the programme continues to grow its reach across Nigeria. This year’s campaign, themed “There Is Space for You,” is a direct call to women nationwide—those with talent, drive, and ambition—who have faced challenges accessing opportunities in the tech industry.

The choice of the theme underscores intentionality. Despite notable progress in recent years, women make up only 25% of Nigeria’s tech workforce, even though they constitute nearly half of the population and 22% of annual STEM graduates. Moniepoint’s Women in Tech initiative has spent five years working to close this gap, providing access and opportunities for women to thrive in the industry.

Building on the success of last year’s “Dream 15” cohort—the programme’s largest intake to date—the 2026 edition aims to expand opportunities further. It will offer more roles in some of the most sought-after disciplines in the industry, including Cloud Engineering, Frontend and Backend Engineering, Data Engineering, Systems Administration, Product Management, Information Security, Mobile Engineering, and Site Reliability Engineering. These roles are foundational to the future of digital finance in Africa, and Moniepoint is committed to positioning women at the heart of this transformation.

Successful applicants will receive a competitive salary, work tools, branded merchandise, and direct mentorship from seasoned professionals across the company. As with previous cohorts, high performers will be considered for full-time employment—an opportunity that has already transformed many women’s careers since the programme’s inception.

The real success stories underpin this year’s campaign. Over 8,000 applications were received last year, resulting in 15 interns. Among them are young women like Uzoamaka Anyaegbuna, Adaeze Ugwumba, Iyinoluwa Akenroye, Loveth Abang, and Bisola Abimbola, who joined as interns and have since become what Moniepoint calls “DreamMakers”—full-time employees leading projects, building systems, and shaping the company’s products from within.

A common critique of internships is that they often lack substance. Bisola Abimbola’s experience at Moniepoint, however, was the opposite; she was treated as a peer from day one.

“I can confidently say the internship was one of the best things that’s happened in my career. I was given real product ownership, working on multiple projects and driving them forward like an actual product manager, not just observing from the sidelines. Projects were thrown at me with an implicit question: ‘Can you handle this?’ I had to step up, own the outcomes, and actually deliver. That experience made me comfortable with the autonomy and accountability I now have. This hands-on experience made all the difference and solidified my resolve that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Chinaza Nduka-Dike, Head of People Operations at Moniepoint Inc., reiterated the company’s dedication to the initiative. “With the Women in Tech programme, we are not just inspiring inclusion, we are actively creating sustainable pathways for women to thrive in the tech industry. This is a space where diversity fuels innovation, and through programmes like this, we are empowering women to take on leadership roles, develop crucial skills, and shape the future of technology. The progress we have seen across five cohorts, where alumni have gone on to make significant contributions to the company and the wider tech ecosystem, fills us with pride. There is space for the next generation, and we are ready for them.”

The launch of the 2026 campaign coincides with the conclusion of Women’s Month and exemplifies Moniepoint’s broader commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality. These initiatives reflect a firm conviction: empowering women is an ongoing responsibility that requires sustained investment in access, skill development, and creating a sense of belonging.

Applications open on March 30, 2026. The programme is open to women across Nigeria seeking to start or pivot their careers in technology—whether self-taught or formally trained. More details on available roles and application procedures can be found on the Women in Tech website: https://womenintech.moniepoint

read more
Empowerment

Proudly Nigerian! Nabila Aguele Makes History as New Global CEO of Malala Fund

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

In a landmark appointment that has Nigerians beaming with pride, Nabila Aguele has been named the next Chief Executive Officer of the Malala Fund. Effective April 1, 2026, she becomes the organisation’s first global CEO based in Nigeria — one of the Malala Fund’s priority countries and home to one of the world’s highest numbers of out-of-school girls.

Nabila Aguele, a proud Nigerian leader with deep roots in policy, advocacy, and sustainable development, currently serves as Chief Executive of Malala Fund Nigeria. Since joining in 2024, she has steered the country office with remarkable impact, overseeing nearly $3 million in grants to local education advocates and championing a civil society coalition that uses education as a powerful tool to end child marriage.

Her appointment follows a carefully planned leadership transition from outgoing CEO Lena Alfi, who served the organisation for nearly nine years (including three as CEO) and successfully launched the Malala Fund’s 2025–2030 strategy.

Nabila Aguele shared her excitement in a heartfelt statement:

“I am honoured to step into this role at such an important moment for girls’ education and for Malala Fund. Having grown within this organisation and led our work in Nigeria, I know the strength of this team, the ambition of our strategy and the power of our partnerships. Building on Lena’s leadership, I am committed to deepening our impact and ensuring that every girl can claim the education she deserves.”

Malala Yousafzai, co-founder of the Malala Fund and Executive Board Chair, praised the choice:

“Nabila is the leader this moment calls for. She brings deep policy and advocacy experience, trusted leadership within Malala Fund and a close understanding of what it takes to drive change for girls from the ground up. I am deeply grateful to Lena for guiding Malala Fund through an important period of transformation and helping build the foundation for this next chapter. I have every confidence in what Nabila and our team will achieve together.”

Ziauddin Yousafzai, co-founder and Board Member, added:

“I have seen Nabila’s leadership up close, and she brings a rare combination of wisdom, integrity and deep understanding of the realities girls face. She is the right leader to carry this work forward.”

With over 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning law, public policy, and international development in both Nigeria and the United States, Nabila previously served as Special Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning. In that role, she championed gender-responsive fiscal policies and played a key part in crafting the country’s Integrated National Financing Framework.

The Malala Fund, co-founded by Malala Yousafzai and her father Ziauddin, works relentlessly to ensure every girl can access and complete 12 years of quality education. Through grantmaking and bold advocacy, the organisation has awarded more than $9 million in grants in the past year alone to over 40 partners across 10 countries. In Nigeria specifically, it has invested over $7.8 million since 2014, with Nabila’s leadership further amplifying locally-driven solutions.

This appointment is not just a personal triumph for Nabila Aguele — it is a powerful statement of confidence in African leadership and the power of homegrown solutions to tackle global challenges. As Nigeria continues to produce world-class changemakers, her elevation to the helm of one of the most influential girls’ education organisations in the world fills every Nigerian heart with pride.

Congratulations, Nabila! The future of girls’ education just got a whole lot brighter with a Nigerian sister leading the charge.

read more
Event

AXA Mansard Extends Support for Women Entrepreneurs at Herconomy Conference 2026

by Women Times on

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has renewed its partnership with Herconomy by sponsoring the upcoming Herconomy Conference 2026. This collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion and expand economic opportunities for women across Nigeria.

As part of the partnership, the insurer will lead the conference’s Enterprise Challenge—an initiative designed to support women-led businesses through funding and increased visibility. This move underscores AXA Mansard’s dedication to creating sustainable pathways for female entrepreneurs.

The Herconomy Conference, an annual event organized by the fintech platform, has become one of Nigeria’s premier forums for promoting women’s financial independence and career development. With a community of over 15,000 members, the event is expected to draw more than 1,000 female professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Discussions will focus on wealth creation, career growth, and the long-term economic impact of empowering women.

AXA Mansard stated that its ongoing partnership reflects a strategic effort to improve women’s financial resilience by providing greater access to essential tools, knowledge, and networks necessary for thriving in an evolving economy.

Building on the success of the 2025 edition, which saw women entrepreneurs receive financial backing through a competitive pitch process, the partnership continues to support women’s economic advancement. Notable winners included Pemnia Wellness founder Opeyemi Adebisi, who received ₦1.5 million, and Bilqis Idaro of Posh Meals, who secured ₦1 million as first runner-up. Chimdiebube Orji, founder of Springsentia, was awarded ₦500,000 as second runner-up.

Commenting on the initiative, Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, emphasized the importance of financial empowerment for women, stating, “empowering women financially remains critical to inclusive and sustainable development.” She added that providing women with access to financial knowledge and resources can unlock broader economic potential.

Surakat also highlighted the company’s “AXA She Is In Charge” initiative, which offers women access to empowerment programs, expert-led sessions, and professional networks designed to support personal and financial growth.

Through its support of the Enterprise Challenge and participation in the conference, AXA Mansard affirmed its commitment to advocating for inclusive financial solutions that enable women to establish resilient businesses and secure their financial futures.

 

read more
Event

Driving Healthcare Innovation: AXA Mansard Health Partners with AMSA for 2026 Conference

by Women Times on

AXA Mansard Health has announced its sponsorship of the 2026 edition of the Association of Medical Students of Africa (AMSA) Conference. This prominent event gathers hundreds of medical students, healthcare advocates, and emerging professionals from across Africa to exchange ideas, explore innovations, and discuss the future of healthcare in the region.

According to Tope Adeniyi, CEO of AXA Mansard Health Limited, the sponsorship underscores the company’s dedication to advancing healthcare knowledge, fostering strong professional networks within the medical community, and nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. He emphasized that supporting platforms like AMSA is vital for nurturing innovation in the healthcare space. “As Africa’s healthcare landscape is evolving, so in addition to driving collaboration between providers, insurers; we must also support knowledge platforms that will midwife the next phase of development for our sector. So, after review by our team, we think the AMSA Conference holds potentials because it is a dynamic platform for young medical professionals to exchange knowledge, learn from experts, and explore how they can positively impact healthcare in their communities,” Adeniyi explained.

He further stated, “This is in consonance with our purpose of Acting for Human Progress by protecting what matters. We are convinced that the outcomes of conferences like AMSA can inspire the new innovations that will improve our collective healthcare experience in Nigeria and Africa.”

Through this sponsorship, AXA Mansard Health aims to spark conversations around preventive care, patient-centered approaches, and innovative strategies to make healthcare more accessible, affordable, and effective. The conference program features keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, practical workshops, and networking opportunities designed to equip participants with valuable knowledge and professional connections.

For AXA Mansard Health, this initiative is part of a broader commitment to promote health awareness, professional development, and innovation within healthcare. By engaging with medical students and emerging professionals, the organization seeks to reinforce the focus on preventive care, patient-centered services, and the long-term enhancement of healthcare delivery.

The 2026 AMSA Conference is expected to draw participants from medical schools and healthcare institutions across Africa, establishing itself as one of the continent’s premier events for aspiring healthcare professionals.

read more
Empowerment

Fidelity Bank Launches ‘Give Her Power’ Initiative and Signs MoU to Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment in Nigeria

by Women Times on
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Innoson Kiara Academy, Endi Ezengwa; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, Bolaji Cecilia Dada; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; and Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the launch of “Give Her Power” initiative as part of the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) activities at the Fidelity Bank Head Office in Lagos, recently.

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering Nigerian women through the launch of its innovative “Give Her Power” initiative. The bank also formalized strategic partnerships with key organizations by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), aimed at equipping women with essential skills, mentorship, financial literacy, and enterprise support.

The event, which brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), and One Universe—underscored the bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth.

Central to this initiative is the Bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, a structured platform that offers vocational training and sustainable business opportunities across various sectors to women nationwide.

During the launch, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized that the bank’s ‘HerFidelity’ initiative underscores its steadfast commitment to creating opportunities that empower women to attain financial independence and build sustainable businesses. She stated, “At Fidelity Bank, we strongly believe that empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also a powerful economic strategy. Through the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative and the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, we are providing women with practical tools, vocational skills and financial knowledge that will enable them to move from effort to earnings and from hustle to sustainable enterprise.”

The bank plans to implement various interventions throughout March, including the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led microbusinesses. Additional activities include vocational training in automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making, and shoe making. The initiative also features professional headshot sessions to bolster women’s personal and professional brands, mentorship engagements with leading female entrepreneurs, and practical skill development in makeup artistry, nail care, and traditional headgear tying.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe highlighted the broader impact of empowering women: “When women are empowered economically, the impact extends far beyond individuals. It strengthens families, grows businesses, and uplifts entire communities. Research suggests that advancing women could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP. This reinforces the need to deliberately create platforms that support women to build sustainable businesses and strengthen their economic independence.”

The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, praised Fidelity Bank for its leadership in championing entrepreneurship and supporting women. She stated, “This initiative strongly aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive economy where women have access to skills, mentorship and financial opportunities they need to thrive. Women remain key drivers of commerce and enterprise across Lagos, from traditional markets to emerging digital sectors. This initiative by Fidelity Bank has ensured that we stayed true to the promoting and supporting women.”

Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, also commended Fidelity Bank for its efforts in financial inclusion and economic independence for women, emphasizing that “Empowering women economically is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and strengthen communities. We commend Fidelity Bank for this forward-thinking initiative and for demonstrating how collaboration between the private sector and government can create meaningful opportunities for women across the state.”

Representatives from partner organizations expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank for the collaboration, noting that the partnership will significantly expand vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities for women.

The “Give Her Power” initiative aims to empower hundreds of women through skill acquisition, mentorship, and startup funding, reinforcing the vital role women play in Nigeria’s economic development.

Fidelity Bank Plc, ranked among Nigeria’s top banks, serves over 10 million customers through its extensive digital banking channels, 255 branches across Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI), the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application by Global Business Outlook, and recognition as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

read more
Event

“Redefining Influence”: NIMN Launches Initiative for Women in Marketing Ahead of International Women’s Day

by Women Times on

 

 

 

The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has announced the launch of its inaugural LeadHers in Marketing Conference, a landmark event designed to empower, mentor, and elevate women within the marketing profession. Scheduled to take place on Friday, 6th March 2026 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the conference is themed “Redefining Influence: Women Shaping the Future of Marketing”.

The initiative marks a strategic shift for the Institute, moving beyond simple representation to actively driving leadership and visibility for women in the industry. By aligning the event with the month of March to coincide with International Women’s Day, NIMN aims to celebrate the strides women have made while addressing the “ground still to cover” in reaching top-tier leadership roles.

Dr Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, President of NIMN at the Press Conference held at the institute’s Secretariat, explained that the “LeadHers” initiative was born out of a desire to see women move past functional marketing areas into visionary leadership positions.

“For us, it’s not just about saying we are women in marketing,” Dr Bayo-Ajayi stated. “The vision is to ensure that we’re building women into leadership positions by providing a platform to drive visibility, make an impact, and provide mentorship”. She noted that while women have made significant progress, there remains a “general assumption” that marketing roles do not always lead to the same executive heights as fields like finance. The initiative seeks to “clean that narrative” by focusing on capability, career development, and professional integrity.

Discussing the choice of theme, Dr Bayo-Ajayi highlighted that influence in the modern marketing landscape is shifting. “Redefining Influence” focuses on moving away from personal achievement toward building a “pipeline” for the next generation.

“The job doesn’t end in your personal achievements,” the President remarked. “It’s actually how you then begin to build a pipeline and encourage other women to learn from your journey. If there’s nothing that bridges the gap between the old and the new, then the process is truncated”.

The conference will feature a prestigious array of guest speakers and industry veterans carefully chosen for their ability to inspire and lead.

Special Guest of Honour: The event will be graced by Folashade Bada Ambrose, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment for Lagos State. Her presence underscores the Institute’s close ties with the government, as the NIMN was established by an Act of Parliament under the Ministry of Commerce.

The keynote address will be delivered by the Osayi Alile, CEO of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation(ACT). Though she comes from the NGO and grant-giving sector rather than a traditional marketing background, Dr Bayo-Ajayi noted she was selected as a “leader who inspires” to demonstrate that leadership transcends specific industries.

Following the keynote, a panel of three distinguished women—including industry leaders such as Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs , Seplat Energy; Adebola Williams, Marketing Director at Promasidor; and Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka ,Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) will discuss the future of women in marketing and the evolving nature of influence. The session will be moderated by Chizor Malize, Director-General of the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC),, a prominent member of the NIMN.

A highlight of the day will be a Fireside Chat featuring Folake Soetan, CEO of Ikeja Electric PLC. This session will focus on digital visibility and how leveraging the digital space can drive a personal brand and career growth. The chat will be moderated by Tosin Adefeko, Founder and CEO of AT3 Resources.

The LeadHers in Marketing Conference aims to target a broad audience, from students aspiring to enter the profession to women in FMCG, government, and the wider marketing ecosystem. Ultimately, the NIMN hopes to position Nigeria as a hub for competent women leaders who can contribute meaningfully to the industry and the nation at large.

“We want our women to get to leadership positions and strengthen the path from marketing to other executive roles,” Dr Bayo-Ajayi concluded.

 

read more
1 2 3 … 13
Page 1 of 13