FSDH Merchant Bank hosted the 5th edition of its Women in Business Initiative (WIBI) Summit at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Wednesday November 19th, 2025. The energy in the room was truly inspiring. This year’s theme, “Empowered: Celebrating Women in Motion,” brought together creatives, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, executives, and champions of women’s advancement for a day filled with powerful insights and meaningful connections. It was a celebration of the brilliance and resilience of women, particularly those shaping Nigeria’s vibrant and globally influencing creative economy.
The summit opened with a welcome address by the MD/CEO of FSDH Merchant Bank, Bukola Smith, who set the tone with the unforgettable reminder that “Even the best dancer needs the drum to find her rhythm.” She spoke about the importance of giving women — especially women in the creative sector — the systems, visibility, structure, and financial support they need to truly thrive. She also highlighted the incredible strides of the WIBI Desk over the years, from expanding access to finance and providing capacity-building programs to creating community and opportunities that help women-owned and women-led businesses grow sustainably.
The keynote address, delivered by the iconic Joke Silva, MFR, was one of the high points of the day. With the authority and grace that define her career, she explored what it means to be an empowered woman in today’s creative industry. Her message blended realism with optimism, reminding every woman in the room of her power, her relevance, and her place in a rapidly evolving creative landscape.
The conversations deepened during the panel session, expertly moderated by Olive Emodi, who guided the room with her usual brilliance. She led an impactful dialogue with award-winning filmmaker and producer Biodun Stephen, celebrated Nollywood actress Blessing Obasi-Nze, and Jide Sipe, Group Head, Brand Transormation and Digital Marketing, Bank of Industry. Together, they explored visibility, storytelling, monetisation, structure, and the long-term sustainability of female-led creative businesses. Their perspectives were honest, insightful, and filled with practical guidance for women navigating the creative economy.
A special highlight of the summit was the recognition of outstanding women who have excelled across industries. Several customers of the bank were celebrated for their contributions to the female economy — a proud moment that reinforced the bank’s commitment to supporting women who are not only building businesses, but also shaping industries and communities.
Stella-Marie Omogbai, Executive Director, Corporate Banking and Branches, FSDH Merchant Bank, also took the stage, sharing a reflection on the value of partnering with FSDH as a growth ally. She spoke about the bank’s dedication to providing women with the tools, financing, expertise, and support needed to scale and become investment-ready. To bring the summit to a close, Hakeem Muhammed, Executive Director, Global Markets and Institutional Banking, FSDH Merchant Bank, delivered the final remarks, reinforcing the bank’s unwavering commitment to women in business and appreciating everyone who has been part of the WIBI journey from its first edition till now.
For five years, the WIBI Summit has grown into more than an annual gathering. Thousands of women have passed through its doors, physically and virtually, benefiting from a community, and platform to amplify their work. Every attendee, speaker, partner, and viewer — from year one until now — is part of this story, and part of the reason the summit continues to grow in impact and relevance.
If you missed this year’s summit or would like to relive the best moments, click here watch the full session.
