By Damilola Jabita
One of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks, Access Bank Plc has celebrated the 2025 edition of International Women Day (IWD) with an epoch making event which took place in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos.
The celebration which took place recently at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos was hinged on talks about women impacts, accomplishments and importance across the globe.
No fewer than stories of 100 women, their resilience, determination and innovations were shared to inspire every girl in the world about their boundless potentials with the slogan “When a woman rises nations rise.”
Dignitaries from all walks of life participated in the Access Bank Plc celebration of the 2025 edition of IWD which was also simultaneously celebrated virtually.
These included the Vice President of Zambia, Mutale Nalumango, Queen of Warri Kingdom, Her Royal Majesty, Olori Atuwase III, and the Chairman Access Plc, Mr. Paul Osoro and his wife, Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro.
Others were a representative of the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Kadija Ogunsanya; former First Lady of Ekiti State, Mrs. John Fayemi; and the representative of the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Oyinlola Agoro.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that Access Bank Plc celebration of the 2025 edition of the IWD was hinged on the fact that it was about breaking barriers and ensuring that no woman is left behind or told that her dreams are not for her.
According to the bank, it is about changing the narratives so that future generations never have to ask whether women belong in rooms, laboratories or any space. They never have to grasp at straws or have to sacrifice their dreams to satisfy the limits that have been placed on them.
Through the “W Initiative”, the bank is pursuing a movement where it champions the financial and personal empowerment of women and ultimately ensuring no woman is left behind.
It noted that the “W Initiative” has been a forefront of financial inclusion, capacity building and social empowerment of women.
Continuing, it said: “Access Bank Plc is setting a new standard for sustainable business practices by inspiring, connecting and empowering women. The ‘W Initiative’ promotes gender equity and advancing women’s socio economic well-being through tailored financial solutions”.
In recognition of its roles and responsibilities over the years, Access Bank Plc has received many prestigious awards from far and near.
These include Best SME Bank for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa; Gender Balance Empowering Company Awards 2024 (Voice of Women); and the Champions of the Female Economy Awards 2024 (Financial Alliance for Women).
Already, the “W Initiative” has expanded its footprints and is actively empowering women across 14 African countries including Ghana, Rwanda, Zambia, Congo and Kenya.
The “W Initiative” is not just about financing business, it is also about transforming lives and creating lasting impacts.
According to the bank, it is more than a banking programme. It is a lifeline, a support system and a promise to financially include women and empower them to follow their dreams no matter their backgrounds.
