By Precious Enaike, LAGOS

To celebrate the International Women’s Day (IWD), Wema Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender inclusion and women’s empowerment during.

The event, held in Lagos, attracted prominent personalities including the wife of the Lagos State governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; filmmaker, Funke Akindele; singer Waje, dancer Kaffy, drummer Ara and vocalist, Yinka Davies.

Also present were the UN Women Resident Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong; television anchor, Olive Emodi; and actor, Daniel Etim Effiong, among other guests.

Organised as part of activities marking International Women’s Day, the event focused on advancing conversations around women’s empowerment and gender equality.

The programme aligned with the 2026 IWD theme, “Give To Gain,” and featured discussions under the topic “When Women Gain, We Grow.”

Speakers at the forum highlighted the importance of investment, mentorship and institutional support in expanding opportunities for women and reducing gender inequality.

In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, noted that empowering women remains vital to economic growth and sustainable development.

Citing global statistics from UN Women, Oseni stated that a significant number of women continue to live in extreme poverty, largely due to persistent gaps in gender inclusion.

He said expanding women’s economic participation would deliver positive outcomes for families, businesses and national economies.

“The global advocacy for gender equality is a fundamental pillar upon which our collective progress rests,” Oseni said, noting that millions of women worldwide remain economically disadvantaged.
He added that the bank has continued to implement initiatives designed to support women both within its workforce and among its customers.

According to him, increased investment in women would help bridge gender gaps and accelerate economic prosperity.

Highlights of the event included the SARA Gives to Empower Her Award, which recognised five women who support other women through measurable initiatives and provided them with grants.

The bank also presented its He For She Award to five male employees who were acknowledged for promoting women’s empowerment within the workplace.