WEMA Bank Plc partnered with HACEY to host the 13th edition of The Girl Summit, celebrating the power of girls’ leadership in promoting digital inclusion. The event took place at the WEMA Bank Academy in Ilupeju, Lagos, and drew together leading voices in gender equality, youth empowerment, and digital innovation.
The summit, themed “Shaping Tomorrow: Girls’ Leadership and Digital Power,” emphasized the need to prepare girls with digital and leadership skills so they can thrive in a fast-changing world. HACEY’s Executive Director, Rhoda Robinson, urged society to invest more in young female leaders. She said the future is digital and girls must not only participate but lead. She explained that giving girls the tools and confidence to take charge in technology and leadership will help build a more equal and prosperous Nigeria and Africa.
Ayodele Olojede, WEMA Bank’s Divisional Head for Retail and SME, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He said WEMA Bank views technology as a great equalizer and wants to help young women use it to build businesses, careers, and futures that redefine success. Olojede added that the bank’s partnership with HACEY reflects a long-term goal of building a generation of female innovators and leaders.
The summit featured a rich lineup of speakers, discussions, and interactive sessions. Attendees engaged in panels, fireside chats, and keynote presentations exploring how technology is transforming opportunities for girls in education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The Managing Director and CEO of TVC Communications, Victoria Ajayi, delivered the keynote address, inspiring participants with insights on digital empowerment. Other speakers included Mistura Adedoyin Rufai from the World Bank, Fabia Ogunmekan of Adaba Initiatives, Imisioluwa Owonikoko of ProjectEnable Africa, and Blessing Bamidele from Tech4Dev. Each speaker shared experiences and practical ideas for how girls can lead with confidence and creativity in the digital era.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement of winners in The Girl Summit 2025 Creative Competition. Nusaybah Abdulhakeem from Educational District III won first place, receiving N300,000 and a laptop. Khadeejat Alhassan took second place with N200,000, while Oreoluwa Ogunsola came third with N100,000. Other outstanding finalists, including Ogisi Mary, Ehighalua Vanessa, Raheema Panti, Sesede Agosu, Precious Amao, Ogbu Daniella, and Suliat Adedeji, also received recognition for their creativity and impact.
The 13th edition of The Girl Summit ended on a hopeful note, celebrating the achievements of young girls and reinforcing HACEY and WEMA Bank’s shared mission to support their growth. The event reminded everyone that when girls gain access to digital tools, mentorship, and opportunities, they can lead meaningful change in their communities. By empowering girls to innovate, lead, and connect through technology, both organizations continue to shape a future where every girl has the freedom and ability to succeed.
