Women’s Empowerment Commission Appoints Funke Okoya New Chairperson

An Executive Director, NOVA Merchant Bank, Mrs. Funke Okoya, has been appointed Chairperson, Women’s Empowerment Commission of the Women in Finance Nigeria.

Okoya’s appointment was announced along with four others at the signing of the International Partnership/Affiliation with the Women Working for Change.

The Women Working for Change is an organ of the African CEO Forum, the largest international forum of the African private sector.

The newly appointed exco members were selected from committed Senior Executive members of the organisation and have been charged with the specific duty of chairing the association’s five new Commission.

Mrs. Okoya’s appointment is a major push for the capacity development of women in Nigeria and it is expected to drive initiatives that advance women’s cause, pursuit of financial literacy and inclusion for women while promoting gender parity.

The Chairperson, Women in Finance Nigeria, Mrs. Toyin Sanni, said: “We are very excited about the launch of these important commissions under the leadership of these dynamic senior executives as well as the election of our new national secretary all of whom served creditably, over time at WIFNG.”

Mrs. Okoya, who expressed excitement at the appointment said: “This appointment is designed to speak to the yearnings of women in Nigeria and further enrich the conversation around capacity building, provide access to finance, broaden value realisation, add relevance, recognition and network for women.”

She added that the expanded executive committee demonstrates the association’s commitment to supporting women across the country by providing leadership and sustainable professional development for women, through creative coalition and partnerships with international women organizations like Women Working for Change.

Funke is an Executive Director, Investment Banking and Subsidiaries at NOVA Merchant Bank, and has been driving key initiatives that are transforming the Bank into leadership position.

While congratulating Mrs Okoya on her appointment, the Chairman of NOVA Merchant Bank, Mr Phillips Oduoza, said Funke has been at the forefront of gender diversity, sustainability and female inclusion  adding, “As a board, we are glad for the recognition which will elevate the commission to the next level under her chairmanship.”

September 13, 2022