A Non-Executive Director of FirstBank, Tope Omage, has described the FirstBank Women Network as a “structured sisterhood” that serves as a vital strategic pillar in the evolution of Nigeria’s financial services industry.
Speaking at the bank’s 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos, Ms Omage asserted that women are no longer just participants in the workforce but are the primary drivers of institutional resilience and economic impact. She joined CEO Olusegun Alebiosu in calling for a merit-based approach to leadership that leverages the unique loyalty and ethical standards women bring to the banking boardroom.
The event, themed ‘Give to Gain’, brought together executive leadership and gender advocates to discuss how gender equity translates directly into institutional strength and economic stability.
The FWN underscored the indispensable role of female professionals in driving the resilience and growth of the nation’s banking sector.
Delivering a powerful lecture at the celebration, Omage challenged the traditional view of women’s networks, asserting that their influence is central to the country’s macroeconomic health. “The FirstBank Women Network embodies what I call “structured sisterhood”. You are not just a social group; you are a strategic arm of this institution. I celebrate the strength, resilience, and impact you bring to shaping Nigeria’s financial system and the broader economy,” she stated.
She further emphasised the importance of sustainable leadership, warning against “breaking the ladder” once success is achieved. “It is our God-given duty that when you climb, you build the stairs to make it easier for the next woman to ascend, to go even further than you have. The ‘Give to Gain’ strategy rests on a simple premise: value creation precedes value capture,” she said.
In his opening remarks, FirstBank CEO Olusegun Alebiosu offered a deeply personal tribute to the resilience of women, citing his mother’s strength following the early passing of his father as the blueprint for his appreciation of gender diversity. “Through her, I saw the resilience of a woman and how women are so different from men. Whatever she says, my eyes are wide open because I always remember how determined she was to ensure that we succeeded. That is what I see in women,” Mr Alebiosu remarked.
The CEO also highlighted the practical business advantages of gender inclusion, noting that data consistently points to women as more reliable subjects in credit analysis and institutional loyalty. “When it comes to trust, even in defaults and numbers across the world, women don’t default as much as men do. If a woman has to choose between her children and money, she will choose her children. A woman will not want to steal and leave her children to suffer; she thinks about what will happen to them,” he said.
Earlier in the programme, the chair of the FirstBank Women Network, Olaitan Martins, explained that the ‘Give to Gain’ theme was designed to foster collective growth through intentional mentorship and partnership. “When women are given opportunities, we gain stronger institutions. We gain confidence and capability. We gain inclusive workplaces where talent is seen as a true possibility. When women rise, families rise, and when communities rise, nations prosper,” Martins said.
The celebration also featured reports on the network’s recent social impact initiatives, including visits to female correctional centres across Nigeria to provide mentorship and essential supplies, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to community empowerment beyond the boardroom.
