FirstBank , 100WF Celebrate a Year of Empowering Women in Nigeria’s Financial Sector

Samuel Mobolaji

The Nigerian banking industry has been encouraged to prioritize mentoring young talents, especially women, to ensure sustained growth and leadership.

This call to action was emphasized during the first-anniversary celebration of the partnership between First Bank of Nigeria and 100 Women in Finance (100WF) in Nigeria, aimed at empowering women in finance.

Speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Greece, Ambassador Nimi Akinkugbe, highlighted a concerning trend: the banking sector has become a transient stop for many young talents who eventually move on to other professions or leave the country.

She lamented the lack of customer-centric approaches within the industry, predicting a future shortage of leadership talent if current trends continue.

While acknowledging the industry’s significant strides in innovation, Akinkugbe stressed that mere training is insufficient. “We need to mentor young people. Many are entering the sector as a temporary measure, without genuine commitment,” she said.

She also celebrated the remarkable achievements of Nigerian women in banking, noting that women lead some of the most prestigious institutions in the sector. “Women have shown resilience, talent, and leadership, driving the industry forward both in Nigeria and beyond,” she added.

Advising women on how to excel in finance, Akinkugbe emphasized the importance of strong analytical skills, decision-making abilities, market understanding, adaptability, and excellent communication skills. She underscored the need for integrity, trust, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical standards.

Similarly, the Head of Brand Strategy, Budget, and Planning at First Bank of Nigeria, Abimbola Meshinoye, explained that sponsoring 100WF was an easy decision due to the significant presence of women in the bank.

“We have a good balance and are working to increase the number of women in leadership. Programs like this empower our women, providing them with networking opportunities and boosting their confidence,” she said.

Meshinoye also highlighted other initiatives by First Bank, such as the First Women Network, designed to provide women with the tools needed for their career journeys. “These programs are crucial in helping women become stronger, more confident leaders within our system,” she concluded.

This partnership between FirstBank and 100WF marks a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in Nigeria’s financial sector, ensuring that future leaders are well-prepared and motivated to drive the industry forward.