United Bank for Africa Plc hosted a special edition of its quarterly Business Series at the UBA House in Lagos to commemorate International Women’s Month, bringing together female entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals to discuss leadership, ambition, and business growth.
The event focused on empowering women to take control of their professional journeys and build opportunities for themselves rather than waiting to be invited into positions of influence. Participants explored what it means to be an “Evolved Woman” in today’s African business environment, with discussions centred on confidence, self-worth, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Opening the session, UBA’s Group Head of Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, urged women to move away from the traditional mindset of waiting for recognition before stepping into leadership roles.
“We shy away and wait to be invited, but that’s not what’s happening anymore. Women are now taking a stand and stepping up. They’re not waiting to be asked; they are volunteering and making themselves known,” Nwoga said.
The event, which was held in a hybrid format, attracted entrepreneurs and professionals from different industries who joined both physically and virtually to exchange ideas on leadership and personal development.
Media personality and actor Tobi Bakre, who moderated the session, emphasised that the idea of the “Evolved Woman” goes beyond career success or social expectations. According to him, it is more about confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to uplift others.
“When I think about the evolved woman, I personally do not see a checklist or a finish point. In my own opinion, it is a woman who is grounded in her own self-worth and gives room for other women to be grounded in theirs, choosing herself daily and ultimately letting other women around her know and believe that they belong here too,” Bakre said.
A panel discussion featuring entrepreneurs and industry leaders further explored the importance of women creating their own opportunities in business. Speakers included ORÍKÌ Group founder Joycee Awosika, digital entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye, Fine-Funky founder Olufunke Davies, and broadcaster Ayo Mario-Ese.
During the discussion, Awosika challenged the common narrative that women must seek permission to participate in leadership spaces. She encouraged female entrepreneurs to focus on creating value and building platforms of their own.
“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 said.
Tomike Adeoye also highlighted how women in business are increasingly shifting away from the idea of seeking validation. She noted that modern female entrepreneurs are now defining their own standards and pursuing their ambitions more boldly.
“The question of what a woman is bringing to the table has now become obsolete, as the evolved woman is now bringing their own table. She is now more vocal about their struggles and setting the standards, and she is not ready to give up on her dreams,” Adeoye said.
UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing, and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, also used the platform to introduce the bank’s new Gen W initiative, designed to support women with resources, financial solutions, and expert insights aimed at helping them grow in business and leadership.
