Chief Executive Officer, Africa 1 at United Bank for Africa (UBA), Chioma Mang, and the bank’s Group Chief Experience Officer, Michelle Nwoga, have received Special Recognition Awards at the 2026 edition of the Guardian Women Festival.
The duo were celebrated for their leadership and contributions to banking, customer experience and corporate impact across Africa.
They were honoured during the closing ceremony of the festival under the Guardian’s “Seven Women Wonder” recognition category, which brought together prominent figures from business, philanthropy and civil society to celebrate women making significant contributions in their fields.
Their recognition further highlights UBA’s commitment to promoting female leadership and strengthening women’s representation at senior levels within the financial services sector.
Speaking after receiving the award, Mang dedicated the recognition to women globally, particularly those in banking and finance.
“I share this honour with every woman around the world, women in banking and finance, and especially women at UBA who are working tirelessly to reshape Africa’s financial landscape,” she said.
Nwoga, in her remarks, emphasised the role of empathy and purpose-driven leadership in delivering excellent customer experience.
“This award underscores what happens when women lead with empathy and execution. True customer experience begins with believing in the people you serve, and the outcome is excellence,” she said.
Other recipients recognised under the “Seven Women Wonder” category included Chief Executive Officer of FSDH Merchant Bank, Bukola Smith; President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Mobolaji Adeniyi; broadcaster Debby Odutayo; Executive Director at Polo Luxury, Jennifer Obayuwana; Head of Sustainability and ESG at the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Nana Maidugi; Founder of Female Techpreneur Founders Lounge, Bukola Moyo Babajide; and Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, Adenike Macaulay.
The 2026 Guardian Women Festival wrapped up a month-long programme celebrating leadership, impact and purpose. The closing ceremony also spotlighted organisations and charities whose initiatives are contributing to social change across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the festival’s co-convener, Anita Athena Ibru, said the decision to recognise institutions alongside individuals was deliberate.
“It is important to recognise these teams of women quietly working behind the scenes. This serves as a reminder that when women come together, regardless of their roles, whether as executives or volunteers, and remain aligned with purpose, great things can happen,” she said.
She added that the initiative seeks to highlight the significant role women play in driving charitable efforts and advocating for social change.
As part of the expanded recognition framework, the festival also honoured several philanthropic organisations, including Small World, Child Advocacy Health Initiative, Global Survivors Fund, Mama’s Breakfast Club and ARA NINI Health.