The opening plenary, titled “The Glass is Shattered: Insights from Nigeria’s Female Banking Leaders on Achieving Career Success and Staying Relevant,” brought together some of Nigeria’s most accomplished female leaders in banking. The distinguished panel included:
- Kafilat Arooye, MD/CEO, Lotus Bank
- Yetunde Oni, MD/CEO, Union Bank
- Bukola Smith, MD/CEO, FSDH Merchant Bank
- Oluwatomi Somefun, MD/CEO, Unity Bank
- Ijeoma Bassey, General Counsel, Chevron Nigeria Limited
The session was expertly moderated by Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya of Africa Law Practice NG, who also serves as the Chairperson of the 2024 NBA-AGCPC.
These trailblazing women shared their personal journeys, highlighting the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to achieve remarkable success in a male-dominated industry. Their insights provided valuable guidance on leadership, innovation, and staying relevant in a constantly changing environment.
The session underscored the importance of women in leadership roles, emphasizing that their presence is crucial for driving innovation and creativity in Nigeria. The discussion was not only inspiring but also empowering, offering participants a rare opportunity to engage with leaders who are actively shaping the future of Nigeria’s banking sector.
This session was particularly valuable for lawyers aspiring to be more effective leaders and compassionate mentors, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in the evolving legal profession.