Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank, has unveiled the Top 10 nominees for its women-focused initiative, the SARA Gives to Empower Her Award, the second edition of its She Empowers Her Award.

The award, launched in 2024 under the bank’s women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, is designed to celebrate and spotlight women who have made significant impact or built a legacy of empowering other women both personally and professionally. The Top 10 nominees are Social Entrepreneur, Bosede Nwachi; NGO Founder, Chigozie Blessing; Customer Success Leader, Ekwutosi Cynthia; Coach and Public Speaker, Franca Ozini; TEDx Speaker, Hassanat Abubakar; Mentor, Ikepo Osawaye; Marketing Professional, Jennifer Edem Ekong; World Safety Ambassador, Ambassador Mabel Abel-Onaiwu and others.

Founder, Patrick Stephen Purple Heart Foundation for Widows, Oluwaseun Joan Stephen; and Virtual Assistant Coach, Victoria Ezechukwu-Obiya.

According to the bank, the 2026 edition of the award draws inspiration from the global International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain.” In alignment with this theme, Wema Bank’s 2026 International Women’s Day focus is “When She Gains, We Grow,” underscoring the importance of investing time, opportunities, resources and support in women.

This year’s edition, tagged “SARA Gives to Empower Her Award & Grant,” aims to recognise and reward women who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to uplifting other women.

To determine the winners, the bank adopted a multi-layered selection process that combined public nominations, internal jury review and a voting process, all vetted by an independent audit body. The nomination portal was opened to the public on February 12, 2026, and closed on February 22, 2026.

At the close of nominations, the bank said it received 2,332 entries covering 351 women. Following a review process that assessed impact and track record of empowering other women, 10 nominees were shortlisted.

The award ceremony is scheduled to hold on March 4, 2026, during Wema Bank’s International Women’s Day event in Lagos, where five winners will emerge.

Voting for the Top 5 winners is currently open to the public. The winners will be announced live at the event, which will also be streamed on the bank’s official YouTube channel from 10 a.m. on March 4, 2026.