Bloom Weekend: Stanbic IBTC deepens investment in women’s empowerment
Nike Popoola
Stanbic IBTC has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment through Bloom Weekend 2026, a two-day initiative designed to equip women with the knowledge, connections and opportunities to advance their careers and businesses.
The event, which commenced today in Lagos, was themed ‘Bloom into Growth: From Business Owner to CEO’ and focused on helping women entrepreneurs move beyond running businesses to building sustainable, structured and scalable enterprises.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director, Business Development, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Mrs Nike Bajomo, said the organisation introduced its Empowerment Management some years ago to address the challenges women face in career development, business management, financial decisions and personal well-being.
She noted that women often had to navigate these challenges without adequate support, despite their significant responsibilities in supporting their families.
According to her, the initiative provides access to the experiences and insights of successful individuals who share practical knowledge to help women make informed decisions about their careers, finances, health and leadership responsibilities.
Bajomo said previous editions had addressed health and wellness, career development, leadership and financial decision-making, while this year’s programme provided a bigger platform for women to exchange ideas and learn from one another.
Also speaking, Managing Director and Creative Director of House of Tara International, Mrs Tara Fela-Durotoye, urged women entrepreneurs to embrace new opportunities and have the courage to expand beyond their existing business models.
Sharing her entrepreneurial journey, she recalled starting as a bridal makeup artist about 27 years ago while studying law at Lagos State University.
She said she bought her first makeup box from Balogun Market and gradually built her clientele from her first bride to 100 brides, a milestone she celebrated with an advertisement in a magazine.
Fela-Durotoye explained that reaching the milestone made her realise there were greater opportunities beyond providing makeup services, including trading and selling makeup products.
She urged entrepreneurs to recognise opportunities for expansion rather than become comfortable with existing achievements, noting that business growth requires the courage to embrace new possibilities.
Earlier, Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs Jumoke Bello, said Bloom Weekend, now in its fourth year, demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to women’s economic growth.
She explained that the platform provides business growth knowledge, financing information, networking opportunities and avenues for women to showcase their products and solutions.
Bello said the first day featured expert-led sessions covering personal finance, health, well-being and mental wellness, while the second day would focus on exhibitions and networking among women entrepreneurs.
She added that investing in women benefits their families, strengthens communities and contributes to economic prosperity.
