FirstBank Women Network Advocates for Value Creation and Mentorship to Empower Female Leaders
Women have been strongly encouraged to prioritize value creation, collaboration, and mentorship as essential pathways to achieving leadership roles and making a sustained impact in the corporate world. This powerful message was delivered during the 2026 International Women's Day celebration organized by the FirstBank Women Network, an event held at the Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
Structured Sisterhood and Professional Growth
In her keynote address, Non-Executive Director at FirstBank, Tope Omage, described the FirstBank Women Network as a strategic platform specifically designed to enhance women's leadership capabilities within the institution. She emphasized that the network supports their advancement through meaningful collaboration and mentorship, embodying what she termed "structured sisterhood." This concept involves women actively supporting one another in navigating career progression and leadership responsibilities.
Omage elaborated, stating, "The FirstBank Women Network embodies what I call structured sisterhood. As women, we all need a sister. We cannot do anything solo and we cannot walk alone. God created us as social beings and we need one another." She highlighted that the network extends beyond mere social interaction, playing a crucial role in fostering an enabling environment where women can grow professionally and assume leadership positions within the organization.
Progress and the 'Give to Gain' Principle
Commending the management and board of First Bank of Nigeria Limited for establishing this initiative, Omage noted that the network has significantly expanded opportunities for women across various leadership levels in the bank. "We have come a long way since 2019. This association was established to promote the advancement of women, and we have since seen women transition into leadership roles, not to tick a box, but based on performance and merit," she affirmed.
Focusing on the event's theme, "Give to Gain," Omage explained that professional growth and influence require deliberate contributions and value creation. She asserted, "You cannot cultivate an empowering environment without giving. You cannot see returns without investing, and you cannot foster advancement without contributing in one way or another." According to her, this principle is anchored on the belief that individuals must first create value for others before they can benefit from it, with the strategy resting on the premise that value creation precedes value capture.
Mentorship and Collective Support
Omage also stressed the importance of mentorship and responsibility among women who attain leadership positions, urging them to support and guide others following in their footsteps. "It is our duty that when you climb, you build the stairs to make it easier for the next woman to ascend and go even further than you have," she emphasized.
Adding to this, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Olusegun Alebiosu, acknowledged the vital role women play in strengthening institutions and driving sustainable growth within the financial sector. He reiterated the bank's commitment to initiatives that promote gender inclusion and empower women to thrive professionally.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the FirstBank Women Network, Olaitan Martins, underscored the significance of mentorship and leadership development among women. She noted that collective support and collaboration remain essential for building stronger institutions and expanding opportunities for women across the financial sector, reinforcing the network's mission to foster a supportive and progressive environment for female professionals.
