THE First Bank of Nigeria Limited Women Network has challenged women professionals to embrace mentorship, collaboration and intentional investment in leadership development as part of efforts to strengthen female representation in senior roles across the banking sector.
Speaking at the FirstBank Women Network conference, held at Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, non-executive director of the bank, Tope Orhionsefe Omage, urged participants to cultivate a culture of “give to gain” by investing in others through mentorship and collaboration.
Delivering the keynote address at the event themed “Give to Gain,” Omage said the network was built around three core pillars: advancing women’s leadership, fostering collaboration and driving impact across the FirstBank Group.
She said the philosophy behind the theme underscores the importance of creating value for others before expecting returns.
“This network understands that you cannot have a sustainable future without intentional investing in the present,” she said. “You cannot get returns without investing, and you cannot foster opportunities for advancement without giving in one way or another.”
Omage explained that mentorship remains central to the network’s efforts to strengthen the leadership pipeline for women within the bank and across the financial sector.
“The goal is to see more women in leadership roles, but leadership is not a solo sport. It is a relay race where each person supports the other,” she said. “Gender parity is built on the power of shared progress, not just a few exemplary women rising to the top.”
She commended the leadership of First Bank of Nigeria Limited for creating an enabling environment through strong gender policies, leadership development initiatives and opportunities for female staff to grow professionally.
According to she disclosed that the bank has implemented programmes such as the Management Advancement Programme and the Senior Management Development Programme, while also providing training in financial management, soft skills, mental development and work–life balance.
“Empowering women is not just about equality. It is about unlocking innovation, strengthening institutions and driving sustainable growth,” Omage noted.
She said the impact of the FirstBank Women Network is already visible in the number of women occupying strategic leadership roles within the institution, including positions such as Chief Information Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, acting Chief Financial Officer and heads of key business units.
Omage also highlighted the bank’s improving gender balance, revealing that women currently make up 43 per cent of staff while men account for 57 per cent. Among new hires, women represent 42 per cent of employees, indicating a growing leadership pipeline.
Beyond corporate leadership, she expressed concern about the low level of female representation in Nigeria’s political system, noting that women currently occupy only a small fraction of seats in the national legislature.
Citing data from UN Women, Omage said women hold about 16 of the 360 seats in the House of Representatives and four of the 109 seats in the Senate.
“The data is clear. Women are not underperforming; they are underrepresented,” she said. “It is the responsibility of networks like this to advocate, support and prepare women so they are ready for leadership roles.”
Omage also urged women in leadership positions to recommend other qualified women for opportunities rather than perpetuating a cycle where women fail to support one another.
“When you climb, create the stairs for the next woman to climb even higher,” she said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited praised the contributions of women in the financial sector, noting that their empathy, resilience and loyalty remain critical to the stability of the banking industry.
He encouraged female professionals to continue striving for excellence and leadership while supporting one another through mentorship and professional networks.
LThe conference formed part of activities marking the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day by the FirstBank Women Network.
The initiative, launched by the bank to promote gender equity and professional advancement, aims to empower female employees to achieve their career aspirations while contributing to broader economic and social development.