Ifeyinwa Osime: The Woman Who Rose Through Purpose, Perseverance and Leadership
By Blossom Ukoha Some leadership journeys begin with a title. Others begin long before anyone is watching, in classrooms, courtrooms, committee rooms and the quiet decisions that gradually build a reputation. For Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime, the journey to the chairmanship of Access Bank Plc was not an overnight ascent. It was decades in the making: a journey through law, insurance, corporate governance and board leadership that ultimately placed her at the helm of one of Africa’s major financial institutions. In January 2026, Osime was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Access Bank Plc, succeeding Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, who retired after completing his regulatory tenure. Her elevation marked another significant moment for women in Nigerian financial services, but perhaps more importantly, it represented the culmination of a woman who had spent years quietly preparing for the opportunity to lead. As Group Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR,…
International Youth Day 2026: Her Future, Her Voice, Her Power
By Blossom Ukoha A young woman in Lagos building a small online business from her phone, a student in Nairobi pursuing engineering against all…
The Women Powering South Korea’s Next Technology Revolution
By Blossom Ukoha In Seoul, the future of technology is being built in places that look very different from one another: inside a global…
Meet Vicky Seymour: The British Diplomat Bringing Global Experience to Nigeria
“I am delighted to be taking up the role of Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja. I look forward to getting to know this extraordinary…
Beyond the “Big Four”: Why Emerging Markets Are Becoming Friendlier to Women Founders
A woman in Nairobi has spent months building a technology business from a problem she knows intimately. In Bengaluru, another founder is turning an…
7 Things to Know About Ruthe Farmer: The Woman Advancing Women and Underrepresented Talent in Technology
“We see these kids as an investment opportunity. If I invest in you succeeding, you’re going to pay it forward to other people. When…
10 Strategic Money Lessons Every Rural Woman Should Know Before Taking a Loan
By Blossom Ukoha “An informed borrower is an empowered entrepreneur.” When María Elena, a small-scale vegetable farmer in rural Peru, began seeing more demand…
The Rise of Afro-Minimalism: Blending Heritage Fabrics with Modern Interiors
By Candy Swiss “A home should not only reflect where you are going; it should honour where you come from.” Maya had just moved…
Red Lipstick: The History Behind the Boldest Beauty Statement
By Blossom Ukoha “If you’re sad, add more lipstick and attack.” — Coco Chanel Imagine owning a beauty product so powerful that it was…
Do Boards With Women in the Room Really Make Better Long-Term Decisions?
By Blossom Ukoha “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” — Verna Myers, Diversity and Inclusion Strategist Every…
The 21 Day Desk Job Reset: Simple Movement for Busy Professional Women
By Blossom Ukoha “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” — Jim Rohn By 10:00 a.m., many professional…
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: What Her Years at UN Women Taught the World About Policy
By Janet Coin Imagine two countries making the same promise to empower women. One launches awareness campaigns, celebrates International Women’s Day, and delivers inspiring…
