by Abiodun JIMOH
Stanbic IBTC has successfully wrapped up the 2025 edition of its annual Bloom Weekend, a flagship women-focused event designed to inspire, empower, and elevate women across professions and industries. This year’s edition, themed “Bloom into More,” lived up to its name—energising thousands of women with knowledge, connections, and tools for personal and professional growth.
The two-day experience brought together a dynamic mix of female entrepreneurs, professionals, business leaders, and creatives, offering participants a transformational blend of networking, learning, and empowerment.
In her opening remarks, Jumoke Bello, Head of Enterprise Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, praised the strength, resilience, and untapped potential of Nigerian women. “This year’s theme, Bloom into More, challenges us to go beyond limitations, embrace empowerment, and boldly pursue our dreams,” she said. She encouraged participants to take full advantage of the weekend’s masterclasses, mentoring sessions, and consultations, noting that “when women thrive, entire economies thrive.”
One of the standout features of the weekend was the SME Entrepreneurship Summit, presented in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University. The summit delivered high-impact sessions on business structuring, personal branding, leadership, and investment strategies, equipping participants with actionable insights for business success.
Stanbic IBTC’s advisory team also provided one-on-one financial consultations, offering tailored guidance on savings, investment, and retirement planning—an effort aimed at closing the financial literacy gap among women.
A key highlight on the first day was the launch of the Blue Blossom microsite, a digital platform aimed at fostering continuous growth and collaboration for women beyond the event. The site promises to be a hub for community building, access to resources, and peer-to-peer learning.
Day two of Bloom Weekend featured an array of vibrant and engaging activities, including a rejuvenating morning yoga session, a bustling women-led trade fair, and the much-anticipated Ladies at the Table Empowerment Series (LATTES). LATTES brought together a powerhouse panel of entrepreneurs, financial experts, and thought leaders who shared insights on navigating business challenges and achieving financial independence.
Edidiong Akan, Head of Compliance at Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, delivered one of the most memorable messages of the day, stressing the power of financial education: “Empowering women with the right financial tools not only transforms their lives but strengthens communities and economies,” she said to resounding applause.
The event culminated with a vibrant marketplace exhibition, showcasing innovative, women-led ventures—from artisanal products to tech-driven startups. Attendees not only shopped and networked but also offered direct support to women entrepreneurs driving change in their communities.
Bloom Weekend 2025 left a lasting impression—one of purpose, connection, and transformation. It reinforced Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to driving inclusive growth by supporting the aspirations of women. As participants departed, many expressed renewed motivation to pursue their ambitions boldly and “bloom into more.”
