Polaris Bank Highlights Gains of Commitment to Women Empowerment Initiatives

Kayode Tokede 

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal has said the Bank’s over two decades of unflinching commitment to women empowerment initiatives has entrenched a corporate culture guiding its operations and service to customers and communities. According to him, the Bank holds dear its commitment to creating an enabling environment where women can thrive professionally and financially. Lawal revealed this recently in his opening remarks at a seminar organised by the Bank to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrated annually worldwide on March 8.

Themed “Gender Equity as Business Imperative: The Give to Gain Advantage,” the seminar had in attendance women drawn from all walks of life, including customers. It featured two guest speakers; Tomi Somefun, a former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc and Belinda Nkechi Indimachi, Entrepreneurship Specialist at ALX Africa

“This theme speaks to a timeless truth – that the greatest progress societies make often begins with what we are willing to invest in others. When we give opportunities, we gain innovation. When we give support, we gain resilience. And when we give women the tools to thrive, we gain stronger families, stronger institutions, and stronger economies. At Polaris Bank, this principle has long guided our actions,” he explained.

In her welcome address, the Bank’s Executive Director, Abimbola Ozomah said the Bank sees women empowerment beyond performative corporate social responsibility but a strategic imperative. She also mentioned one of the Bank’s women-inspired initiatives – Women Connect Monthly Series established to nurture and prepare women for leadership positions. 

“At Polaris Bank, we firmly believe that empowering women is not merely a social responsibility – it is a strategic imperative. When women rise, institutions grow stronger, perspectives become richer, and innovation flourishes. This is why gatherings such as this are not symbolic exercises for us; they are deliberate platforms designed to ignite conversations, build confidence, and shape the future leadership of our organisation,” she said.