UBA Business Series Celebrates 'Gen.W: The Evolved Woman' During International Women's Month
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc hosted a significant edition of its quarterly Business Series on Thursday, March 12, 2026, bringing together accomplished female professionals and entrepreneurs to explore the theme "Gen.W: The Evolved Woman." The hybrid event took place at the bank's headquarters in UBA House, Lagos, and was simultaneously streamed live to a global audience as part of International Women's Month celebrations.
Redefining Leadership and Business Across Africa
The session focused extensively on how women are actively reshaping leadership paradigms, business innovation, and sustainable development across the African continent. Discussions emphasized the growing influence of women who are redefining traditional success metrics while making meaningful and lasting contributions in their respective fields.
Opening the event, UBA's Group Head of Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, provided a compelling description of the evolved woman as someone who confidently steps forward, contributes actively, and ensures her voice is heard in spaces that matter. She emphasized that this new generation of female leaders operates with both purpose and presence.
Panel Discussion with Prominent Female Entrepreneurs
The event featured a moderated panel discussion with distinguished entrepreneurs and media professionals, including:
- Joycee Awosika, founder of ORÍKÌ Group
- Tomike Adeoye, media personality and digital entrepreneur
- Olufunke Davies, founder of Fine-Funky
- Ayo Mario-Ese, award-winning broadcaster
Media personality and actor Tobi Bakre moderated the session, reflecting on the concept of an "evolved woman" as transcending fixed standards. According to Bakre, such a woman understands her intrinsic value and actively encourages other women to embrace their own worth, creating inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong.
Insights from Entrepreneurial Journeys
Panelists shared personal experiences about the challenges they faced and the transformative lessons that shaped their growth as business leaders. Joycee Awosika, an energy economist and advocate for African heritage, explained that an evolved woman possesses a strong sense of identity and purpose.
"That woman does not need to ask to sit at the table, she is creating her own table and adding value. As your company is growing, you must grow too, and always do an audit of where you need to become a better leader," Awosika stated.
Tomike Adeoye addressed the evolving dynamics of women in business, noting that the traditional question of what a woman brings to the table has become obsolete. "She is now more vocal about their struggles, setting the standards and she is not ready to give up on her dreams," Adeoye emphasized.
Ayo Mario-Ese highlighted the importance of women confidently sharing their achievements and remaining open to collaboration. "As an evolved woman, you have to find out what you are comfortable doing, and create your own unique offering, and also be open to collaboration," she advised.
Olufunke Davies shared her entrepreneurial journey, revealing that she explored several ventures before discovering her niche. She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to begin with available resources and grow progressively. "It is important to do your research, streamline and think about relatability. But the important thing I will say is start where you are as it is a progression," Davies recommended.
UBA's Commitment to Women's Empowerment
UBA's Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, praised the panelists and participants for their valuable contributions to the discussion. She emphasized the critical importance of women supporting one another, noting that every woman possesses a unique story and community that can inspire others.
Ladipo also highlighted the bank's Gen W initiative, a comprehensive lifestyle platform specifically created to support and connect women who are building businesses, advancing careers, and leading across various industries. Through initiatives like the Business Series, UBA continues to reinforce its dedication to empowering women and entrepreneurs across Africa.
By creating dedicated spaces for meaningful dialogue, mentorship opportunities, and knowledge sharing, the bank aims to inspire a new generation of female leaders and innovators across Africa and beyond. The event demonstrated UBA's ongoing commitment to fostering environments where women can thrive professionally and personally while contributing to broader economic development.
