Union Bank of Nigeria has strengthened its role as a major partner in promoting economic growth and gender equity by taking a prominent position at the 2025 WIMBIZ Annual Conference in Lagos. The bank’s involvement reaffirmed its commitment to national development and its continued support for initiatives that empower women across the country.
The conference, organised under the theme “O.W.N: Own. Walk. Nurture,” served as a major gathering point for advancing female leadership and commerce. It encouraged women to lead confidently, grow their ventures and build long-term impact. The atmosphere was filled with determination as thousands of women came together with a shared vision to reshape conversations around leadership and equity.
Union Bank demonstrated its commitment through its sponsorship of the Business Pitch Competition. Through its dedicated women-focused platform, alpher, the bank supported entrepreneurs by providing funding that helps transform ideas into real businesses. This support aligns with the bank’s belief that empowering women economically contributes to building a stronger and more resilient nation. By offering critical capital through alpher, Union Bank helped turn a wide range of business concepts into functional enterprises.
The alpher platform was promoted as a lifestyle ecosystem designed to help women “O.W.N” their lives by granting access to collateral-free loans needed for business growth, while also connecting them to mentorship networks and capacity-building programmes. The platform additionally supports women’s wellness by offering benefits such as discounted healthcare, emphasising personal well-being alongside business development.
Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer of the bank, highlighted the purpose behind the partnership. She stated that the collaboration with WIMBIZ is a clear reflection of the bank’s conviction that for Nigeria to thrive, women must be empowered to fully Own, Walk and Nurture their potential. Aluko explained that each time the bank funds a pitch or provides the alpher platform, it is giving women the opportunity to own their stories and walk confidently in a competitive market.
She added that Union Bank remains committed to helping women nurture their businesses into institutions capable of driving the national economy, ensuring that every step they take contributes to a more prosperous future for themselves and the country.
The event brought together top female leaders within Union Bank, including the Chief Talent Officer, department heads and several employees across different units. The bank’s efforts closely align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially those focused on gender equality, economic growth and global partnerships.
Held at Eko Hotel and Suites, the conference drew thousands of women leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals, and featured remarks from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and economist Arunma Oteh.
