Lagos, Nigeria hosted the third edition of HerVest’s flagship event ValueUp 3.0, an initiative dedicated to promoting financial inclusion and literacy with a sharp focus on empowering women and driving long-term economic resilience.
Held at the Shell Hall in the Muson Centre, the event gathered professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders to explore how individuals and communities can build financial stability in a rapidly shifting economy. The theme for this year’s gathering was “Financial Wellness: Adapt, Grow & Thrive.”
Solape Akinpelu, CEO and convener of HerVest, opened the event by reflecting on the collective role society plays in achieving equity. “The journey to an equitable and prosperous society is not an isolated one. It starts with me and you and everyone in the room whose presence embodies the possibility of equal opportunities,” she said.
She highlighted that financial inclusion is not simply about access to capital, but also about providing knowledge, networks, and growth opportunities. “When I started HerVest, it wasn’t just an ambition. It was born out of a quiet conviction that women’s financial growth should be normal, not extraordinary,” she said. Akinpelu stressed HerVest’s efforts to design financial tools that address the specific challenges women face, such as career interruptions and unpaid labour.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Juliet Ehimuan, Founder of Beyond Limits Global and a former Google West Africa Director. She encouraged the audience to look beyond traditional definitions of success. “We must embrace change, harness the power of technology, and take bold steps toward economic independence,” she said. Her talk emphasised the need to remain agile in the face of evolving economic trends and to use technology as a tool for building lasting wealth.
The day’s discussions were organised into three panel sessions, each tackling a different aspect of financial empowerment.
The first, titled “From Side Hustle to Scalable Venture: What It Takes,” featured a lively conversation with high-profile entrepreneurs, including Hilda Baci who holds a Guinness World Record in cooking; costume designer Yolanda Okereke; and Ayo-Bankole Akintujoye, founder of Caladium Consulting. The panel, moderated by Usman Imanah, examined what it takes to move from informal business operations to successful, scalable ventures. Themes such as discipline, resilience, and spotting the right opportunities were central to the conversation.
Next came “Thriving in the Age of AI and Remote Work,” which looked at how professionals are adapting to tech-driven changes in the workplace. Speakers included Gbenga Totoyi of Alan & Grant, Victoria Vodunnu from Flutterwave, Ego Obiegbunam of TRACE, and Lagos State’s Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende. In a session guided by Tobi Alaka of Empowher NG, the conversation centred on emotional intelligence, upskilling, and the need for more flexible career models as industries evolve.
The third session, “Wealth for the Next Generation: Investing with Purpose,” explored how to build and sustain wealth across generations. The panel brought together voices from across banking and finance, including Bunmi Ayodele from Wema Bank, Rasaki Salawu of Meristem Capital, Hon. Oloruntoyosi Adebayo-Thomas from Kwara State’s agriculture ministry, and Victoria Abiola Ajayi, CEO of TVC Communications. Peju Faloye of OANDO Plc moderated, urging attendees to think of wealth not just in monetary terms but as something aligned with values and long-term goals.
One of the standout moments of the day was a fireside chat between Guinness World Record chess advocate Tunde Onakoya and leadership strategist Debola Deji-Kurunmi. Moderated by Akinpelu, the conversation focused on how personal growth and mentorship can ripple into broader community impact. The two speakers championed leadership rooted in values and the importance of building a support network that enables transformation.
HerVest also used the occasion to showcase the real-world impact of its work across Nigeria. To date, the platform has supported more than 10,000 female farmers and entrepreneurs in states including Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, and Oyo. Through a mix of savings, credit access, agro-investment schemes and financial education, HerVest is working to make financial tools more accessible for women at all levels.
With a membership of 80,000, HerVest has processed over N3 billion in transactions. The platform has also helped women farm over 1,200 acres of land, contributing to local economies and giving women greater financial control.
The message at ValueUp 3.0 was clear: economic progress must be inclusive if it’s to be sustainable. Akinpelu closed the event by reiterating HerVest’s wider mission. “We are building an ecosystem where women are equipped to lead financially empowered lives,” she said.
The event wrapped up with a strong call to action, encouraging individuals, organisations, and policymakers to take shared responsibility for advancing inclusive economic development in Nigeria and beyond.
