FSDH Merchant Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Women Entrepreneurs
Agnes Ekebuike
FSDH Merchant Bank has again demonstrated its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs by successfully hosting the fourth edition of its Women in Business Initiative (WIBI) Summit, which held recently in Lagos.
Themed: ‘She Transcends: Spurring Women to Build Enduring Businesses and Careers’, the hybrid event brought together a vibrant mix of entrepreneurs, professionals, and industry leaders both in-person, ensuring wide participation across different locations.
The summit provided a platform for women to connect, learn, and share ideas on building sustainable businesses and advancing their careers. The event featured a keynote address by entrepreneur and leadership expert, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, who emphasised the critical role women play in nation-building.
Awosika spoke passionately about the potential of women to nurture communities and drive progress, stressing that any nation failing to invest in the development of its women would never reach its full potential. “Any nation that does not invest in nurturing the gifts and talents of its women population is losing so much and will never reach its full potential,” Awosika said.
Sharing her personal entrepreneurial journey, she urged women to embrace self-awareness, define their own purpose, and make decisions based on their unique goals rather than societal expectations.
“Don’t follow general opinion to make your decisions. Look at your own goals, determine your end game, and take steps that align with your vision.” she advised.
Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, a renowned psychotherapist, highlighted the importance of mental well-being as a foundation for personal and professional success. She encouraged women to prioritise balance, emphasising that emotional and psychological health plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable growth.
MD/CEO of FSDH Asset Management, Mr. Toyin Owolabi, shared actionable strategies on wealth management, providing attendees with tools to enhance their financial stability and growth. He urged women to take control of their financial futures, emphasising the importance of making informed investment decisions.
Head of the Gender Business Desk at the Bank of Industry, Adebola Oruma, also shed light on funding opportunities and support systems available for women entrepreneurs. Oruma, encouraged women to explore the resources tailored specifically to their needs and leverage these opportunities to scale their businesses.
The discussions at the WIBI Summit focused on essential topics such as managing business growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining mental and financial balance. Attendees walked away with insights and strategies that will help them build sustainable businesses while achieving personal fulfillment.
