Unilever Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to workplace inclusion and gender equality as it hosted the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration across its Oregun and Agbara sites.
The event, themed Accelerating Action Through Empowering Experiences, brought together professionals and advocates to discuss the importance of diverse leadership and the need for an inclusive corporate environment.
Tobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever Nigeria, emphasised the company’s dedication to fostering a workplace where women thrive. “At Unilever, we walk the talk when it comes to inclusion and equity. There is no doubt that having women in leadership and key roles leads to a healthier and more productive workplace. Therefore, I am committed to taking necessary action that helps our organization continually shape an ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Adeniyi stated.
During the panel discussion, Folake Ogundipe, National Finance Director of Unilever Nigeria, underscored the importance of businesses actively championing diversity. She commended Unilever’s commitment to policies that ensure equal opportunities for all employees. “A truly inclusive workplace does not happen by chance; it is built through intentional policies and actions,” she said.
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Adding to the conversation, Ibukun Oyejide, Group Chief Financial Officer of Access Bank, highlighted the significance of financial independence and leadership development for women. She encouraged women to be bold in pursuing leadership opportunities and to draw inspiration from strong personal values. “Women should never doubt their abilities. Leadership begins with believing in oneself and seizing every opportunity with confidence,” she remarked.
Addressing the role of storytelling in shaping gender inclusion narratives, Zulumoke Oyibo, Nigerian producer and co-founder of Inkblot Productions, emphasized the power of media representation. “Representation matters. The more we see diverse women in leadership, the more we normalize inclusion and inspire the next generation of women leaders,” she noted.
Bringing a creative perspective to the discussion, renowned singer, songwriter, and actor, Waje Iruobe, shared her experience as a woman in the entertainment industry. She called for intentional support systems that enable women to excel across sectors. “Empowerment comes from creating opportunities to support each other. We must build communities that uplift and encourage women,” she stated.
