Lagos: Stakeholders have called on African women to prioritise building enduring institutions, embrace bold leadership and strengthen visibility to drive sustainable economic growth and inclusive development across the continent. They made the call at the sixth edition of the Ascent Club’s Top 100 Career Women in Africa Awards and Gala in Lagos which drew participation from across the continent.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, tagged ‘Power, Presence and Prestige,’ featured award presentations, the unveiling of the 2026 edition of the Accent Magazine, keynotes, panel discussions, cultural displays, among other activities. Inaugurated in 2021, the Top 100 Career Women in Africa is a prestigious recognition platform that celebrates bold, pioneering women making an impact in the corporate sector.
Delivering a keynote speech, Mrs. Yemi Adesanya, Financial Controller at FirstBank Nigeria, urged women leaders to move beyond individual success and focus on building systems and institutions that outlast them and shape long-term economic outcomes. Adesanya emphasized that while performance and visibility remained important, sustainable impact depended on deliberate efforts to design structures, embed values, and develop leadership pipelines that endure. She highlighted initiatives such as FirstGem and the First Women Network as platforms supporting women’s financial growth and leadership development, adding that Africa’s future depended on leaders capable of building resilient systems.
Another keynote speaker, Mrs. Adanma Uduanochie, Joint Venture Asset Manager at Shell, emphasized the need for courageous leadership, visibility, and strong professional networks. Uduanochie noted that leadership was defined by the ability to make difficult decisions with clarity and resilience, especially during periods of uncertainty. She stressed that women must move beyond silent performance to actively occupy decision-making spaces, noting that visibility, confidence, and authenticity were critical to leadership.
Mrs. Sophie Mbakwe, the EVP of Business Services at NNPC Ltd, also urged women to take responsibility for their careers, embrace challenges, and build institutions that deliver lasting impact. Mbakwe emphasized that leadership required courage, resilience, and consistent presence, adding that success was defined by results, integrity, and influence rather than titles. She highlighted the ‘Women in NNPC (WIN) Initiative’ aimed at strengthening mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership readiness among female employees.
Panelists at the event identified generational gaps in the workplace, noting that younger professionals were often perceived as less committed, while older generations were seen as underestimating the creativity and innovation of younger workers. They stressed the need to balance performance with visibility, urging early-career professionals to build credibility while developing personal brands and influence. The panel also highlighted emotional intelligence, mentorship, and executive sponsorship as critical drivers of career growth across generations.
In her remarks, Dr. Gloria Edozien, Founder of Ascent Club, said the ‘Top 100 Career Women in Africa’ initiative was designed to spotlight, recognize, and reward exceptional women across the continent. She noted that many women remained under-recognized despite their contributions, limiting their access to leadership and boardroom opportunities. According to her, the programme, now in its sixth year, has recorded significant impact, with past recipients advancing to C-level positions, gaining global recognition, and securing international opportunities. She reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to strengthening women’s representation in leadership and promoting transformative contributions within Africa’s corporate and institutional landscape. Dr. Edozien thanked sponsors of the event, including FirstBank and NNPC Ltd, promising that the next edition in 2027 will be held in another African country.