Zenith Bank honours Nigerian women transforming communities across Lagos and beyond

In a dazzling ceremony at The Civic Centre, Lagos, Zenith Bank Plc, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, honoured 19 remarkable women whose efforts have quietly transformed their communities.

This event, held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, marked the climax of a month-long celebration of women’s achievements, blending recognition, reflection, and inspiration.

The awards formed the heart of Zenith Bank’s Women’s Month activities, following an earlier International Women’s Day seminar on March 9, 2026, at the same venue.

Together, these events underscore a deliberate, sustained focus on gender inclusion and female empowerment across Nigeria.

Spotlight on Resilience, Leadership, and Generosity

Themed “Celebrating Resilience, Leadership, and Generosity,” the initiative celebrated women from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Their fields of work spanned trade, education, healthcare, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing.

Each awardee was recognised not just for personal achievement, but for the tangible impact they have made in the lives of others, often under challenging circumstances.

The organisers emphasised that this platform was designed to bring attention to “unsung Sheroes”—women whose contributions are vital yet often go unheralded.

The honourees included market women, educators, community leaders, healthcare workers, and entrepreneurs whose daily work drives economic and social development at the grassroots level.

Remarkable Stories of Dedication

Among the awardees were Mrs. Regina Amankulor, a retired nurse mentoring youths in Abia State, and Mary Matanmi, Coordinator of the Nigeria Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Cosmetologists in Lagos State.

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Inspiring narratives also came from Ifeanyi P. Ugwueze, a visually impaired guidance counsellor pursuing a doctorate, and Adenike A. Lambo, the respected Iyaloja of Ilorin.

Other honourees included market and trade leaders like Erikan Idem Andrew from Port Harcourt, Joy C. Ezenwa from Kano, and Shola Esther Babalola, founder of the Mama Sho Honey brand in Lagos.

Josephine Ugwu of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria received special mention for her integrity after returning millions of naira left by passengers at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

Each recipient was evaluated on leadership, innovation, community impact, perseverance, integrity, and philanthropy—criteria that highlight not only professional success but also ethical and social contributions.

Institutional Support and Commitment

Adaora Umeoji, represented by Executive Director Adobi Nwapa, stressed that gender inclusion at Zenith Bank is embedded in its culture and operations.

Women occupy strategic positions, including the role of Group Managing Director, reflecting a genuine commitment rather than symbolic gestures.

Chichi Aniagolu, Regional Director of the Ford Foundation, highlighted the critical role of the Woman of Power Award in identifying and celebrating talent operating under difficult circumstances.

She noted that assessments revealed vast, untapped potential among women in various sectors, further validating the initiative’s importance.

Driving Financial and Economic Empowerment

Zenith Bank also showcased its women-focused programmes, such as the Z-Woman initiative and its sponsorship of the NBBF Women’s Basketball League.

These interventions aim to boost financial inclusion, nurture female entrepreneurship, and sustain economic participation for women across the country.

By pairing recognition with actionable programmes, the bank positions itself as a driver of structural change—transforming celebration into tangible opportunities for empowerment.

Impact and Consequences

• Community Development: Highlighting grassroots efforts encourages replication and inspires local leadership.
• Gender Inclusion: Recognising women in leadership roles promotes societal shifts toward equality.
• Economic Empowerment: Initiatives linked to awards boost entrepreneurship and financial participation.
• Cultural Visibility: Elevates the profile of women whose contributions often go unnoticed, shaping national narratives about female capability.

What’s Next?

Zenith Bank and the Ford Foundation pledged to sustain and expand the awards initiative in future years.

By integrating recognition with practical financial tools and development programmes, they aim to foster a culture where women’s contributions are not just celebrated but leveraged for long-term social and economic growth.

Summary

From Lagos to Abuja, Kano to Kaduna, women across Nigeria are quietly transforming their communities.

Zenith Bank and the Ford Foundation’s Woman of Power Awards shine a spotlight on these unsung leaders, demonstrating that resilience, leadership, and generosity can create measurable change.

The initiative links recognition with action, encouraging women to step into leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship while inspiring the next generation.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Zenith Bank and Ford Foundation honoured 19 Nigerian women for leadership and community impact
• Awardees came from six geopolitical zones and multiple sectors including trade, education, and healthcare
• Honourees demonstrated resilience, innovation, integrity, and measurable community impact
• Special recognition included Josephine Ugwu for returning millions of naira to passengers
• Zenith Bank’s commitment to gender inclusion includes strategic leadership roles for women and programmes like Z-Woman
• Initiative aims to sustain empowerment, financial inclusion, and national visibility for women