Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a member of Standard Bank Group and a leading end-to-end financial institution in Nigeria, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women by empowering and nurturing their growth. During the inaugural Bloom Weekend event held recently at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the company demonstrated its dedication to supporting women-owned enterprises by bringing women holding Blue Blossom accounts together with industry leaders and change-makers.
During the event, Olajumoke Bello, Head of Enterprise Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, highlighted women's critical role in the society; affirming them as its backbone. She noted that when women are provided with comprehensive business education and equitable access to financial services alongside affordable credit options, they unlock an extraordinary capacity for growth, leadership, and unparalleled success.
Explaining the far-reaching positive impact of this kind of empowerment, Olajumoke said the Stanbic IBTC Blue Blossom business account is specifically tailored to support the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Nigeria. This account offers a range of specialised services and resources to empower women in business, foster growth, and facilitate the smooth operation of their enterprises.
“Blue Blossom is deeply committed to enhancing financial accessibility and fostering gender equality within the economic sphere. By introducing women-owned accounts, we aim to recognise and actively support women’s unique challenges and opportunities. This programme reflects our dedication to fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem, ensuring women receive the necessary support and resources to prosper. By focusing on empowering women, we can make significant strides toward equitable economic growth and development."
Olajumoke stated that introducing women to the fundamental business concepts and strategies and providing them access to equitable financial services and affordable credit options can unlock their infinite potential for growth, leadership, and success. By removing barriers and ensuring equal opportunities, women can thrive in business, demonstrating their vast capabilities and driving positive change.
She explained that the Blue Blossom community aims to remove barriers for women 18 and older; ensuring seamless access to a wide range of services. These services include financial solutions and non-financial support to foster women's development. Through the Blue Blossom community, women can get adequate guidance and resources to become their best versions.
“This vision of empowering women financially is a strategic economic imperative, in addition to being a step toward gender equity. By focusing on equipping women with the necessary tools and resources, we can tap into a wellspring of hitherto untapped potential that can drive substantial progress across multiple sectors,” Olajumoke said.
During the Ladies at the Table Empowerment Series (LATTES) session, Bunmi Oke, Chief Executive Officer and Lead Consultant at Ladybird Limited, in her keynote address emphasised the dire need to empower women to achieve a more inclusive and equitable society. She highlighted the importance of unity, resources, and proactive engagement in the journey of female empowerment.
Speaking on the theme ‘With her. for Her.’ Bunmi emphasised the importance of establishing a supportive network where shared experiences and successes are celebrated. "Initiatives such as mentorship programmes, networking events, and online forums enable women to connect, share knowledge, and uplift each other," she said.
In a panel discussion, Nike Bajomo, Executive Director, Business Development, at Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, harped on women's pivotal role in society and the need for robust support. She underscored the company's commitment to promoting women's welfare and empowerment.
She said, "It's important to acknowledge the efforts to support women in Nigeria. At Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a section of our business is dedicated to retirement planning. We help individuals invest their contributions for their retirement."
“Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers plays a significant role by focusing on a retirement-based business segment. This segment is dedicated to helping individuals wisely invest their contributions towards their retirement. The service aims to ensure everyone, not just women, can have a financially secure retirement. This comprehensive approach to retirement planning emphasises the importance of starting early, making informed decisions, and utilising available resources to ensure a comfortable retirement.”
Nike stated that Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers is committed to providing the necessary resources and support for a secure financial future, especially during retirement. The focus is ensuring financial stability as people age, and narrowing the gender gap in financial planning. This initiative aims to empower women to manage their financial futures actively and address the gender disparity in financial literacy.
The Bloom Weekend activities featured yoga, the Ladies At The Table Empowerment Series (LATTES), and masterclasses. These featured insightful conversations and workshops led by accomplished women from different fields. The sessions provided valuable advice, shared success stories, and discussed strategies for overcoming personal and professional challenges.
During the event, panellists, including Eugenia Abu, a broadcast journalist and media consultant; Nike Folagbade, a family life coach and counselor; Olamide Omotosho-Ikuru, a medical practitioner at Health Kinect Clinic; and Oluwadamilola Dada, an associate director at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), outlined insightful strategies for achieving financial independence, demonstrating effective leadership, and overcoming challenges.
Following this, women entrepreneurs showcased their products and services at the Blue Blossom Trade Fair, facilitating networking and business growth and promoting collaboration and economic development.
Stanbic IBTC has restated its commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment through the Blue Blossom Community and its other empowerment initiatives. By fostering an environment where women can thrive economically, the firm significantly contributes to the community's overall development and prosperity.
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