Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) has strengthened its position as a key supporter of women in business by taking a leading role at the 2025 WIMBIZ Annual Conference in Lagos. The bank’s presence highlighted its continued involvement in national development efforts and its support for initiatives that advance women’s economic inclusion.
The gathering, themed ‘O.W.N: Own. Walk. Nurture’, acted as a major platform for encouraging female leadership and enterprise. Thousands of women leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals attended, contributing to a highly energetic atmosphere centred on ambition, growth and changing long-held narratives around gender and leadership.
At the conference, Union Bank demonstrated its commitment by sponsoring the Business Pitch Competition, using its women-focused platform, alpher, to provide funding for emerging entrepreneurs. The bank said its support reflects the belief that strengthening women’s economic participation contributes to building a more resilient national economy.
Through alpher, the bank supplies women with essential resources to transform business concepts into active ventures. The platform is positioned as a lifestyle ecosystem designed to help women “O.W.N” their lives by offering collateral-free loans for business expansion, business advisory networks, mentorship opportunities and capacity-building programmes. It also includes wellness benefits such as discounted healthcare, which aim to support personal well-being alongside professional progress.
Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, emphasised the bank’s deliberate approach to championing women’s advancement. She said the partnership with WIMBIZ reinforces the bank’s view that Nigeria’s growth depends on women being empowered to fully Own, Walk and Nurture their potential.
The conference also brought together senior female figures from within the bank, including its Chief Talent Officer, departmental heads and employees from multiple levels of the organisation.
Union Bank stated that its ongoing work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
The event featured contributions from dignitaries including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and leading economist Arunma Oteh, adding further prominence to the annual gathering.
