Women entrepreneurs and professionals have commended Ecobank Nigeria for its continued support for women-owned businesses, following the launch of its upgraded Ellevate proposition, Ellevate 2.0, in Lagos. The event, themed "Her Voice. Her Power. Her Growth," brought together accomplished women in business and professional leadership to share inspiring conversations and practical insights. Keynote speaker, Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder of Gatimo Limited and Creative Director of Ruff 'n' Tumble, praised Ecobank for its long-standing support for women entrepreneurs. She recalled a time when Ecobank provided her with a loan facility to grow her business, an act that she credited as instrumental in her success. Ogunlesi also encouraged women to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and purpose as drivers of long-term success.
Ayo Osolake, Head of Premier Banking & Wealth Management at Ecobank Nigeria, represented the Managing Director/Regional Executive, Bolaji Lawal, in welcoming participants. Osolake reaffirmed the bank's commitment to advancing women's economic participation, highlighting the significance of women entrepreneurs in driving economic growth, innovation, and job creation.
Victoria Igun, Ellevate Manager at Ecobank Nigeria, described the enhanced program as a strategic step in strengthening women's access to finance, market opportunities, and networks.
The upgraded Ellevate initiative by Ecobank Nigeria is a positive step towards promoting women's economic empowerment. The bank's commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs is commendable, particularly in a sector where women often face significant barriers to accessing finance and market opportunities. By strengthening women's access to finance, market, and networks, Ecobank is contributing to the growth of the economy and the creation of jobs. However, the question remains whether this initiative will have a tangible impact on the lives of everyday Nigerian women. As the bank continues to support women entrepreneurs, it is essential to monitor the effectiveness of this initiative and its potential to drive meaningful change.
