By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equity as a strategic growth driver during its 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) event, highlighting sustained investments in women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and leadership development.
Aligned with this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” the event underscored the need to accelerate gender equality through intentional generosity, collaboration, and investment in women. Speakers emphasized that purposeful contributions remain a catalyst for collective progress.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, stressed the strategic importance of the theme, “Gender Equity as a Business Imperative: The Give to Gain Advantage,” noting that investing in women delivers measurable returns for institutions and economies.
Lawal stated that empowering women is a core pillar of Polaris Bank’s long-term strategy, reflected in its support for women-led businesses through targeted financing, enterprise advisory services, and capacity-building initiatives.
He also highlighted the bank’s continued advocacy in breast cancer awareness, screening, and early detection, alongside its contributions to girl-child education and inclusive workplace policies.
According to him, the bank’s flagship proposition, Polaris Pearl, continues to provide tailored financial solutions and growth platforms for women professionals and entrepreneurs. He called for more deliberate cross-sector action, noting that inclusive systems ultimately drive stronger institutions and societies.
Delivering keynote remarks, the immediate past Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank, Tomi Somefun, described gender equity as a critical lever for organisational performance, urging institutions to move beyond rhetoric to structured action.
She noted that enabling women to contribute fully is not merely a social obligation but a pathway to improved decision-making, innovation, and long-term resilience.
Also speaking, social entrepreneur Belinda Nkechi Indinmachi challenged Gen Z professionals to adopt a more strategic approach to value creation, emphasising that purposeful contribution and long-term thinking are essential for sustainable career and business growth. She encouraged professionals to view “giving” as an investment that yields tangible returns over time.
In her remarks, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, reiterated that the bank’s commitment to women’s empowerment goes beyond symbolic observance. She explained that initiatives such as the Polaris Women Connect platform are designed to prepare female professionals for leadership through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and exposure to industry leaders.
Earlier, the Group Head, Customer Experience and Value Management, Bukola Oluyadi, set the tone for the event by highlighting the importance of collaboration and intentional support systems in driving collective success.
The event also showcased Polaris Bank’s measurable impact in advancing women’s economic participation, including the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in funding to female entrepreneurs, alongside continued investments in financial literacy and enterprise development.
Polaris Bank reaffirmed that its commitment to empowering women remains anchored on deliberate action and inclusive growth strategies that position women as key drivers of economic transformation.
