United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc hosted an engaging edition of its quarterly Business Series on Thursday, bringing together accomplished female leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss the theme “Gen.W: The Evolved Woman.”
The hybrid event took place at UBA House in Marina, Lagos, and was also streamed live to participants around the world. Organized as part of activities marking International Women’s Month, the session explored the changing role of women in leadership, business, and innovation, highlighting how African women are redefining success while making meaningful impact in their various fields.
Opening the event, UBA’s Group Head of Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, noted that the “evolved woman” is one who is proactive, willing to step forward, volunteer, and make her voice heard.
The session was moderated by media personality and actor Tobi Bakre, who described the evolved woman as someone grounded in her self worth while also empowering other women to recognize their value. According to him, the idea of the evolved woman is not about reaching a final destination but about continuously choosing herself and creating space for others to thrive.
The event featured a panel discussion with prominent female entrepreneurs and professionals, including Joycee Awosika, founder of the ORÍKÌ Group; digital entrepreneur and media personality Tomike Adeoye; founder of Fine-Funky, Olufunke Davies; and award winning broadcaster Ayo Mario‑Ese. Each speaker shared personal experiences about their entrepreneurial journeys, the challenges they faced, and how they evolved into successful business leaders.
Speaking during the discussion, Awosika explained that an evolved woman understands her identity and value. Rather than waiting for a seat at the table, she creates her own opportunities while also striving to grow as a leader as her business expands.
Adeoye added that the conversation about what women bring to the table has become outdated. In her view, the evolved woman now brings her own table. She described today’s women as more vocal about their struggles, more determined to set standards, and unwilling to abandon their dreams.
Mario-Ese encouraged women to confidently share their achievements and own their stories. She noted that many women are doing remarkable work but often hesitate to showcase their accomplishments. According to her, the evolved woman should understand her strengths, create unique value, and remain open to collaboration.
Davies also reflected on her journey as an entrepreneur, revealing that she explored several business ideas before discovering her niche. She emphasized the importance of research, focus, and relatability, while encouraging women to begin with what they have and grow from there.
UBA’s Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, praised the speakers and participants for contributing to the conversation. She stressed that women must support one another and use their experiences and communities to uplift others.
Ladipo also highlighted the Gen W platform created by the bank, describing it as a lifestyle platform designed specifically for the evolved woman. She explained that the platform provides expert insights, real stories, and practical resources for women building brands, launching businesses, advancing their careers, and leading in different industries. It also offers access to discounted products and loans, and is open to all women, even those without a UBA account.
Through initiatives like the Business Series, UBA continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering women and entrepreneurs. By creating spaces for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and meaningful conversations, the bank aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders and innovators across Africa and beyond.
