By Princess Adeola Shittu
In a remarkable display of purpose-driven partnership, Access Bank recently played host to a high-powered delegation from the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)—a visit that signified more than just courtesy. It was a step forward in aligning visions, building bridges, and deepening collaboration for a more inclusive economy.
Welcoming the UN Women team were key leaders from Access Bank, including Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director; Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head of SME Banking; Chizoba Iheme, Group Head, Agency Banking and Financial Inclusion; and Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Group Head, Women Banking.
Speaking about the visit, Abiodun Olubitan expressed pride in the bank’s ongoing efforts toward gender inclusion, noting that the discussions with UN Women reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to the economic empowerment of women, particularly at the grassroots and SME levels.
“Every conversation, every handshake, and every shared vision took us one step closer to a more inclusive economy—one where women, especially those running small businesses and in rural areas, are not left behind,” she stated.
Abiodun, known for her passionate advocacy for women in enterprise, emphasized that inclusion for Access Bank isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the backbone of progress. Under her leadership in SME Banking, the bank has rolled out numerous initiatives that open access to finance, markets, and capacity development for female entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
BEYOND BANKING: BUILDING PATHWAYS, NOT JUST PLATFORMS
Access Bank’s W Initiative has become a flagship model for gender-focused financial services. It combines funding, mentorship, and training tailored specifically for women. The courtesy visit by UN Women signals an expansion of that vision—leveraging global partnerships to support local change.
“We are not just talking about gender equity; we are building the systems, platforms and partnerships that make it possible,” Abiodun added.
A SHARED MISSION WITH GLOBAL PARTNERS
The visit further underscored the growing synergy between public institutions and private-sector leaders in Nigeria committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality). For Access Bank, this means creating structures that allow more women to thrive in business, lead in boardrooms, and transform their communities.
THE ROAD AHEAD
With renewed engagement from UN Women, Access Bank is poised to scale up its reach and impact, particularly in underserved regions. Programs focusing on women-owned SMEs, digital banking inclusion, and rural financial literacy are already in the pipeline.
As the collaboration deepens, the message is clear: When women thrive, the entire society prospers.