Union Bank, Brand Chief Receive Accolades At WIMCA 2026
Written By Rashidat O. Okunlade, Lagos
Union Bank of Nigeria has been recognised for its leadership in gender inclusion, emerging as Most Outstanding Bank in Gender Inclusion at the Women in Marketing and Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA) 2026. The prestigious event was held on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The award affirms the Bank’s commitment to advancing gender diversity through an inclusive workplace and financial ecosystem that empowers women, female entrepreneurs, and professionals with tailored products, capacity building, mentorship, networking, and broader economic opportunities.
WIMCA 2026: A Gathering of Industry Leaders
Themed “Grow, Give, Glow: Building Resilience for Distinction,” WIMCA 2026 convened leading female marketing and communications professionals from across Africa to explore industry trends, leadership, resilience, and women’s advancement within the brands marketing ecosystem. Dubbed the largest gathering of female marketing and communications professionals on the African continent, the event featured an impressive lineup of speakers drawn from marketing, communications, banking, consumer goods, entrepreneurship and professional development.
The 12th edition of WIMCA, established by leading Nigerian brand and marketing magazine Brand Communicator, has evolved into one of the industry’s most influential platforms dedicated to the professional growth, recognition and empowerment of women in marketing communications.
Top 50 Recognition for Brand Chief
Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, was also named one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Marketing and Communications, alongside other leading communications and brand executives.
While reacting to her recognition and Union Bank’s award, Mrs. Aluko said:
“Union Bank’s recognition at WIMCA 2026 is a strong validation of our sustained commitment to advancing gender inclusion as a driver of institutional excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. We are proud to champion platforms and initiatives that empower women to lead with confidence, build meaningful careers, and contribute significantly to the evolution of the marketing and communications industry. This honour further strengthens our resolve to create greater opportunities for women across our workplace, customer base, and wider society.”
The Bank’s recognition at WIMCA adds to its growing list of industry accolades. Earlier in 2026, Union Bank’s Endless Possibilities campaign won a bronze award at the 2026 Pitcher Awards, with Mrs. Aluko describing the achievement as a reflection of the Bank’s commitment “to telling authentic stories that resonate with the Nigerian spirit”.
Beyond Awards: A Track Record of Inclusion
Union Bank’s commitment to gender equity extends beyond awards recognition. In observance of International Women’s Month 2026, the Bank reaffirmed its commitment to gender equity through its inclusion-first “Give to Gain” campaign.
Under Mrs. Aluko’s leadership, the Bank has also positioned itself as an ecosystem builder in education through its flagship Edu360 initiative under the UnionCares platform, which spans the full education value chain, from widening access for children in underserved communities and investing in teachers, to building digital literacy and STEM capability, and preparing young people for employment or enterprise.
“Financial institutions need to stop thinking of ourselves as donors and start thinking of ourselves as ecosystem builders,” Mrs. Aluko has previously stated, challenging her peers in the financial sector to embed financial literacy into school curricula and design products that help parents save for their children’s education.
Commitment to Women’s Advancement
The Bank will continue to engage with platforms that advance women’s empowerment and meaningful participation across the marketing communications industry. Union Bank remains committed to fostering inclusive growth, strengthening opportunities for women, and contributing to the continued advancement of the brand, marketing, and communications landscape.
About Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
Established in 1917, Union Bank is a leading provider of financial services in Nigeria, renowned for its “Simpler, Smarter Banking” philosophy. With a nationwide network and a strong focus on digital innovation, the Bank continues to empower individuals, businesses, and the public sector to achieve lasting success.
The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria. It offers a range of banking services to individual and corporate clients, including current, savings, and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing, and trade finance. The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.
More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com
