Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting women’s empowerment as the world marks International Women’s Day on 8 March.

In a statement released in Lagos on Friday, the bank said the annual celebration offers an opportunity to recognise women’s achievements while renewing calls for stronger action towards gender equality.

International Women’s Day is observed globally to highlight the social, economic and political contributions of women and to advocate for equal opportunities across all sectors.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, said the institution remains committed to creating an environment where women can succeed professionally and financially.

“Polaris Bank remains dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment for women,” he said.

“From supporting female entrepreneurs to ensuring equal opportunities within our workforce, we believe empowering women is not only the right thing to do but also a key driver of sustainable development.”

According to the bank, women play a critical role in driving economic growth, innovation and community development, making gender inclusion essential for long-term national progress.

Over the years, Polaris Bank said it has introduced initiatives designed to support women-led businesses, expand financial inclusion and create leadership opportunities for women within the organisation.

The bank said these programmes form part of its wider commitment to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.

As part of the 2026 celebration, Polaris Bank said it will spotlight stories of women making positive impacts across communities, including members of its workforce and customer base.

The initiative, the bank added, aims to encourage conversations around leadership, financial empowerment and gender equity.

The lender noted that empowering women helps strengthen families, build resilient communities and contribute to a stronger national economy.

Adron Homes and Properties has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s leadership and inclusive growth as the world marks **International Women’s Day 2026.

The Nigerian real estate company said empowering women with leadership opportunities remains central to its corporate strategy and workplace culture.

The global celebration, observed annually on 8 March, highlights the achievements of women and calls for greater investment in gender equality.

This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” emphasises the importance of supporting women through access to resources, education, mentorship and leadership opportunities.

Adron Homes said organisations that empower women often see stronger innovation, improved decision-making and long-term growth.

Why it matters

Gender inclusion in leadership remains a major focus for many industries in Nigeria, including real estate.

Companies that prioritise women’s participation in decision-making roles are increasingly viewed as more resilient and socially responsible.

Adron Homes said its workplace culture promotes gender balance across operational levels, from executive leadership to marketing teams and field operations.

The company added that women continue to play strategic roles in driving customer engagement, operational efficiency and business expansion.

Company perspective

In a message marking the global event, the Executive Vice Chairman of Adron Homes, Aderonke Emmanuelking, said empowering women delivers benefits beyond the workplace.

“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ speaks to a principle we strongly believe in at Adron Homes, empowering women is an investment with lasting returns,” she said.

“When women are supported to lead and succeed, the impact goes beyond the workplace; it transforms families, industries, and society at large.

“We remain committed to building systems that help women rise and thrive.”

Building the next generation of women leaders

Adron Homes said it has introduced internal programmes designed to strengthen the professional development of female employees.

These include structured mentorship initiatives, leadership training and performance-based advancement opportunities.

The company said the initiatives aim to equip women with the skills and confidence needed to take on greater responsibilities within the property sector.

It added that these programmes are part of its broader strategy to build a pipeline of female leaders in Nigeria’s real estate industry.

Industry context

Across Nigeria’s corporate sector, conversations around gender equality have intensified in recent years.

Experts say businesses that invest in diversity often benefit from broader perspectives and stronger organisational culture.

Real estate firms are also under increasing pressure to ensure equal opportunities for women, particularly in leadership and technical roles traditionally dominated by men.

What’s next

Adron Homes said it plans to continue expanding its operations while maintaining a workplace environment where talent is recognised without bias.

The company added that its long-term vision is to develop thriving residential communities while also nurturing a workforce built on inclusion and equal opportunity.

The Enatta Foundation has launched a support programme for displaced fisherwomen and coastal communities in Lagos as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.

The initiative focused on helping women rebuild livelihoods, access financial education and improve market opportunities in the maritime economy.

Organisers said the programme brought together women from several communities including Araromi, Ajegunle, Ogudu, Ilaje Ebute, Oworonshoki, Agboyi, Ago Egun and Isale Akoka.

The event was built around the global theme “Give to Gain.”

Why it matters

Many coastal women in Lagos depend on fishing and fish processing for survival.

Recent demolitions in Oworonshoki and economic pressures have disrupted livelihoods for several families.

Support programmes like this aim to stabilise local economies and help women remain active in the fishing value chain.

Women also play a major role in seafood processing and distribution in Nigeria’s coastal communities.

Strengthening their businesses can improve household income and food supply chains.

Relief fund for displaced fisherwomen

A major highlight of the programme was the announcement of a relief fund for women whose homes were demolished in Oworonshoki.

The support was sponsored by Mrs Ola Hensworth.

Organisers said the fund would help affected women rebuild their businesses and livelihoods.

The programme also included the Fisherwoman’s Girl Child Fund, aimed at supporting education for girls in fishing communities.

The award was presented to Miss Zannu Saphine from the Ago Egun fishing community.

The recognition was announced by Mrs Adi Okuyelu (CIMA), founder of the Enatta Foundation.

According to the foundation, Zannu’s work in promoting financial literacy among local women played a key role in her selection.

She has helped several women maintain “Money Mata” record books, which are used to track savings and business income.

Organisers say empowering young women to teach financial literacy helps knowledge spread across the community.

Expanding market access for fish processors

Another part of the initiative focused on strengthening the seafood value chain.

The programme aims to help organised fisherwomen cooperatives transition from local subsistence trading to international seafood markets.

The Enatta Foundation said it is currently holding discussions with seafood companies Eja-Ice Ltd and VESA Fisheries Limited.

The talks are aimed at improving fish distribution channels and reviving trading activities at Better Life Market in Ilaje Ebute.

If successful, the collaboration could allow local fish processors to supply larger markets.

Experts say such partnerships are important for improving the profitability of small-scale fishing communities.

Tools to improve fish storage

To support daily productivity, the foundation also distributed fish storage baskets to women who attended the programme.

Organisers say the baskets will help maintain product quality during transportation and sales.

Maintaining fish quality is a key requirement for accessing international seafood markets.

The initiative, the foundation said, is designed to create a long-term system where community support leads to sustainable economic growth.

Industry and community reactions

Community members welcomed the initiative, saying financial support and market access remain major challenges for fisherwomen.

Small-scale fish processors often face difficulties with storage, distribution and export regulations.

Development experts say programmes focused on women in the fishing sector can have ripple effects on coastal economies.

They note that women often reinvest business earnings into household welfare, education and community development.

What’s next

The Enatta Foundation says it plans to continue discussions with seafood industry partners and expand its empowerment programmes in coastal communities.

Future projects may include training in seafood processing, export readiness and cooperative business development.

Organisers say the long-term goal is to ensure that women in fishing communities benefit from both local and international seafood markets.