Winners Emerge in Access Bank 'W' Awards

Winners have emerged in maiden edition of Access Bank 'W' awards, which was created to honour  Nigerian  women who have done exceptionally well in their different fields and contributed to the development of the nation.

At a ceremony to mark the climax of the Access Leadership Conference 2015, held in Lagos recently, the bank recognised women who emerged winners under the four categories of the awards.

These are the W Entrepreneur of the Year; W Young professional of the Year; W Seasoned Professional of the Year and W Amazon of the Year.

Rashidat Adebisi received the "W Young Professional" award. Adebisi was part of the team that grew AXA Mansard Insurance from a one-time small business to an undisputed industry leader. Also, Bukky George emerged winner of the 'W Entrepreneur of the year' (W in Business). She was recognised as an entrepreneur who built a successful business. However, Professor Grace Alele Williams, Mrs. Folake Solanke and Mrs. Bolanle Awe were joint winners of the ‘W Amazon of the Year’ award.

Commenting on the awards, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Dr. Herbert Wigwe said though government has a responsibility in providing of basic infrastructure for the citizenry, every institution in Africa, public or private, ought to also participate in the socio-economic development landscape.

“Apart from institutional support women are at the heart of development. As a bank that is committed to the development of strong and sustainable institutions in Africa, Access Bank has consistently demonstrated its leading role in advancing women’s economic and social development. This new approach to banking women provides banking solutions to meet the unique financial and lifestyle needs of women across distinct sub segments whether it’s a Young professional, a Woman with a Family or a Woman in Business," Wigwe stated.

In a statement before delivering the awards to the recipients, former Managing Director,  Bank of Industry, Mrs. Evelyn Oputu, said Access Bank sought for Nigerian women who, despite their contributions to sustainable socio-economic development not only in Nigeria, but across the globe, still pay special attention to whom they really are - the home maker.

"The women that are being honoured today are those who despite the challenges we face in this part of the world, still hold their heads high. These are women who have built excellent career in their various fields of endeavour, women who have impacted the world and remained feminine," Oputu said.

According to her, women play important roles in the economy through trading, labour, and employment. Indeed, the role of women in the family unit has made them indispensable entities in the struggle to survive against the harsh realities of time and tended to endow them with significant influence in the society, Oputu noted.