Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc on Thursday ignited powerful conversations around female leadership and enterprise as it hosted another compelling edition of its quarterly Business Series themed “Gen.W: The Evolved Woman.” The event brought together accomplished female leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals to explore how modern African women are redefining leadership and building businesses with purpose.
The hybrid session, held at UBA House in Marina, Lagos, while also streamed globally, formed part of activities commemorating International Women’s Day celebrations throughout the month. The forum focused on the expanding influence of women in leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Opening the session, UBA’s Group Head, Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, described the “evolved woman” as one who is bold, proactive and unafraid to amplify her voice in spaces where decisions are made. According to her, the modern woman is not only participating in conversations but actively shaping the future of industries and communities.
The event was moderated by popular actor and media personality Tobi Bakre, who framed the conversation around self-worth and empowerment. He noted that the concept of the evolved woman is not defined by a checklist but by a mindset rooted in confidence, self-awareness and the willingness to create space for other women to thrive.
Panel discussions featured a distinguished lineup including entrepreneur and founder of ORÍKÌ Group, Joycee Awosika; media personality and digital entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye; founder of Fine-Funky, Olufunke Davies; and award-winning broadcaster Ayo Mario‑Ese. The speakers shared candid insights into their journeys, highlighting the resilience, reinvention and strategic thinking required to build successful ventures.
Awosika, an energy economist turned beauty entrepreneur, stressed that the evolved woman understands her value and does not wait for validation. Instead, she creates opportunities and builds platforms that allow others to succeed while continuously developing her leadership capacity as her enterprise grows.
Adeoye echoed similar sentiments, noting that the age-old question of what women bring to the table is now obsolete. According to her, today’s woman is not merely seeking a seat but is confidently “bringing her own table,” setting new standards while remaining vocal about her challenges and aspirations.
Mario-Ese urged women to overcome the culture of modesty that often prevents them from showcasing their achievements. She encouraged female professionals and entrepreneurs to tell their stories boldly, embrace collaboration and create distinctive offerings that reflect their strengths and passions.
Davies, whose fashion brand has grown steadily over the years, highlighted the importance of persistence and research in building sustainable businesses. She revealed that finding her niche required experimenting with several ventures before discovering the idea that resonated most with customers.
UBA’s Group Head, Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, applauded the speakers and participants for driving meaningful conversations. She also spotlighted the bank’s Gen.W platform, describing it as a lifestyle and empowerment hub designed to support women building brands, careers and businesses through mentorship, expert insights, networking opportunities and access to financial solutions.
Through initiatives like the UBA Business Series and the Gen.W platform, United Bank for Africa continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and leaders. By creating spaces for dialogue, mentorship and knowledge exchange, the bank aims to inspire a new generation of African women shaping the future of business, leadership and innovation.