Aligned with the global theme, “Give to Gain,” the event brought together industry leaders and advocates who stressed the importance of intentional investment, collaboration, and support systems in accelerating gender equality. The conversations highlighted how sustained contributions toward women’s advancement can deliver measurable benefits for businesses, institutions, and the broader economy.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kayode Lawal, framed gender equity as a core business imperative, noting that organisations that invest in women consistently record stronger performance outcomes. He explained that Polaris Bank has embedded this principle into its long-term strategy through targeted financing, enterprise advisory services, and capacity-building programmes tailored for women-led businesses.
Lawal further pointed to the bank’s broader social impact efforts, including its ongoing advocacy for breast cancer awareness, early detection initiatives, support for girl-child education, and the promotion of inclusive workplace policies. He added that Polaris Pearl, the bank’s flagship offering for women, continues to provide customised financial solutions and growth platforms for female professionals and entrepreneurs.
Delivering keynote insights, Tomi Somefun, immediate past Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank, described gender equity as a critical driver of organisational success. She urged institutions to move beyond symbolic commitments and adopt structured, measurable actions that enable women to fully contribute to decision-making and innovation.
Also speaking, social entrepreneur Belinda Nkechi Indinmachi challenged Gen Z professionals to embrace purposeful value creation, stressing that “giving” should be viewed as a long-term investment capable of yielding tangible personal and professional returns.
Polaris Bank’s Executive Director for Corporate and Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, reiterated that the institution’s empowerment efforts go beyond annual observances. She highlighted initiatives such as the Polaris Women Connect platform, designed to equip female professionals with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and leadership development tools.
Earlier, Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head of Customer Experience and Value Management, set the tone for the event by emphasising the importance of collaboration and intentional support networks in achieving shared progress.
The bank also showcased its measurable impact, revealing that it has disbursed over ₦1 billion in funding to female entrepreneurs, alongside sustained investments in financial literacy and enterprise development programmes.
Polaris Bank reaffirmed that its gender equity agenda remains anchored on deliberate action and inclusive growth strategies, positioning women as key drivers of economic transformation and sustainable development.