The Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) has strengthened its commitment to women’s economic empowerment with a major showing at the 2025 Women in Business (WIMBIZ) Annual Conference in Lagos, where it supported female-led businesses through its alpher platform, and sponsored the event’s Business Pitch Competition.
Held under the theme: “O.W.N: Own. Walk. Nurture,” this year’s summit convened thousands of women leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals at the Eko Hotel and Suites to discuss strategies for advancing female leadership, enterprise and inclusive growth.
Union Bank, a long-standing partner of WIMBIZ, used the platform to scale its efforts to boost women-owned businesses by providing funding, mentorship and capacity development opportunities. Through alpher – its women-focused business and lifestyle ecosystem – the bank offered participants access to collateral-free loans, professional networks, skills training and wellness benefits, including discounted health care packages.
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Speaking at the event, Union Bank’s chief brand and marketing officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, said its involvement reflected its conviction that women must be empowered to fully “Own, Walk and Nurture” their potential for Nigeria to achieve sustainable growth.
“Each time we fund a business pitch or support women through alpher, we are giving them the resources to own their unique stories and walk confidently in a competitive marketplace. We are committed to helping them nurture these businesses into institutions capable of driving national development,” she said.
Senior female executives from Union Bank, including the chief talent officer and departmental heads, also attended the conference, demonstrating the institution’s internal commitment to female leadership and representation.
The bank’s initiatives align with global development targets, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) and partnerships (SDG 17).
The conference also featured keynote addresses by the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and a renowned economist, Arunma Oteh.
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