FSDH Merchant Bank has reinforced its dedication to breaking down structural barriers for women and building sustainable pathways to economic inclusion during its fifth Women in Business Initiative (WIBI) Summit.
Celebrating Women in Motion
The event, held at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island in Lagos, gathered hundreds of female entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, creatives, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders under the theme "Empowered- Celebrating Women in Motion." The summit highlighted both the significant progress and ongoing challenges within the female economy while showcasing FSDH's expanding role in enabling women-led growth.
Veteran actress Joke Silva delivered a powerful keynote address emphasizing resilience, reinvention, and emotional intelligence as essential tools for navigating today's evolving economic landscape. Her message particularly resonated with emerging entrepreneurs and creatives seeking to build lasting legacies.
"Today, FSDH celebrates five years of impact for women in business, five years of grace, growth, and undeniable progress," Silva stated. She noted Nigeria's abundant young talent, especially within the creative industry, but highlighted a critical gap in current training initiatives that often fail to provide the depth of skills needed for global competitiveness.
Measurable Impact on Female Entrepreneurship
Bukola Smith, Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, explained that WIBI was founded on the conviction that equipping women with proper systems, knowledge, and support can transform entire economies. "Five years on, we are seeing that transformation play out," she affirmed, noting the initiative's focus this year on the creative economy reflects their commitment to backing women in sectors that shape culture, influence markets, and define Nigeria's future.
The bank's Executive Director, Stella-Marie Omogbai, revealed the substantial financial impact of FSDH's Women in Business Desk, disclosing that over N3 billion in loans has been disbursed to women-led businesses over the past five years. This achievement was made possible through strategic partnerships with organizations including BOI, IFC, AGF, and WEAV Capital, delivering blended financial solutions and targeted interventions.
"With more than 2,000 women engaged across summits, masterclasses, coaching cohorts, and accelerator programmes, WIBI continues to serve as one of the country's most influential platforms for female enterprise development," Omogbai emphasized.
Creative Industry Insights and Collaborative Solutions
Filmmaker and producer Biodun Stephen provided valuable insights into the creative and technical challenges facing women in film and media, stressing the need for stronger institutional support for creatives.
Jide Sipe, Group Head of Brand Transformation and Digital Marketing at Bank of Industry (BOI), observed that many women-owned businesses operate on an individual basis, which limits their growth potential. He advocated for moving beyond individual business mindsets toward collaboration and ecosystem thinking, suggesting that institutions should create shared platforms and creative spaces to foster collective advancement.
During a panel discussion addressing the realities women face in business today, actress and CEO of Desperanza Media, Blessing Obasi-Nze, shared her personal journey to prominence and evolution in the industry. She advised young creative talents to focus on being original, authentic, and consistent in their pursuit of success.
