Access Bank has recently unveiled its ambitious “Power of 100 Africa” initiative, which seeks to empower 100 female entrepreneurs across 16 African nations. This announcement was made by the deputy managing director of the bank, Chizoma Okoli, during a press conference in Lagos. Okoli articulated the bank’s commitment to fostering female leadership as a central tenet of its operations, asserting, “This initiative reflects our dedication to empowering women.” The objective of the program is not only to spotlight commendable women but also to instigate positive change within their respective communities. By selecting women who have excelled in various fields, Access Bank aims to lay the groundwork for future generations of female leaders across Africa.
The “Power of 100 Africa” initiative will honor women from countries where Access Bank operates, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia. With this geographic diversity, the initiative is designed to transcend borders and facilitate a collective recognition of female pioneers who have made significant strides in breaking barriers and inspiring others through their leadership. Okoli emphasized that the project serves as a tribute to these women’s achievements and highlights the bank’s commitment to empowering leaders within their communities. This recognition is intended both as an affirmation of their current successes and as an inspiration for other women aspiring to break into leadership roles.
Abiodun Olubitan, the Group Head of Women Initiative and Emerging Businesses at Access Bank, underlined the importance of this initiative by asserting that women are fundamental to the business and market environment. He emphasized the critical nature of empowering female entrepreneurs as a mechanism for driving economic growth across Africa. According to Olubitan, the initiative aligns with Access Bank’s broader vision of nurturing leadership and fostering innovation in the business sector. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of female entrepreneurs, the bank not only acknowledges their contributions but also reinforces the idea that empowering women is essential for sustainable economic development on the continent.
Nominations for the “Power of 100 Africa” initiative are open to the public, allowing for an inclusive selection process. Utobong Hughes, a Senior Manager in the Business Advisory Services Group at Andersen in Nigeria, informed attendees that nominations could be submitted through an online platform specifically created for this initiative. The selection criteria highlight the importance of recognizing women who have made significant positive impacts within their industries, serving as pioneers or trailblazers. With a transparent and streamlined nomination process, the project aims to allow any deserving woman to receive recognition, thereby incorporating a wider array of contributions and stories into the initiative.
Non-Executive Director of Access Bank, Omosalewa Fajobi, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to female leadership and the support of women making positive changes within their communities. She noted that the initiative will not include posthumous recognitions and that previous honorees from the 2015 edition are ineligible for this year’s awards. This decision underscores Access Bank’s focus on current achievements and living role models who can inspire others. Fajobi emphasized the belief in women’s capacity to create meaningful change, indicating that recognition through this initiative serves the dual purpose of honoring current achievements while also motivating future generations to pursue leadership roles.
Overall, the “Power of 100 Africa” initiative by Access Bank is a significant move toward empowering female entrepreneurs across the continent, showcasing a collective commitment to gender equality and female leadership. By creating an opportunity to recognize pioneering women, Access Bank is setting a precedent within the banking and business community to elevate women’s contributions. This initiative not only aims to enhance the visibility of female leaders but also seeks to foster an environment where future generations can look up to these women as role models. In doing so, Access Bank contributes meaningfully to the larger fight for gender equity in Africa, signaling a new era of recognition, support, and empowerment for women in various business sectors.
