To bridge the gender and economic divide through financial inclusion and promoting literacy, HerVest, an inclusive fintech platform, convened a diverse audience of professionals, entrepreneurs, and young changemakers for the third edition of its flagship event, ValueUp 3.0.

Held at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre in Lagos, the event themed ‘Financial Wellness: Adapt, Grow and Thrive’, explored practical strategies for building financial resilience and achieving long-term economic stability.

In her opening remarks, convener and Chief Executive Officer of HerVest, Solape Akinpelu said; “This year’s theme challenges us all to not just pursue success, but to be financially and emotionally prepared for the future. When I started HerVest, it wasn’t just an ambition. It was out of a quiet conviction that women’s financial growth should be normal, not extraordinary. It was born out of a desire that access, and capital should be available, woven around women’s realities and peculiarities such as the unpaid labour, biological functions leading to career and business pauses amongst others.”

Akinpelu stated further that “financial literacy and inclusion are catalysts for change. We are building an ecosystem where women are equipped with the skills and resources needed to lead financially empowered lives. We will continue to create spaces where people can learn, grow, and build a prosperous future.”

Founder of Beyond Limits Global and Former Director at Google West Africa, Dr. Juliet Ehimuan, in a keynote address stressed the critical need for individuals to recalibrate their understanding of wealth beyond income or status, particularly in today’s evolving economic landscape and the need to have the courage to make informed financial decisions.

“We must embrace change, harness the power of technology, and take bold steps toward economic independence. The goal is no longer just financial access, but financial adaptability.”

The event had panel sessions which addressed entrepreneurship, career development in the digital age, and strategic wealth building. The entrepreneurship panel, titled ‘From Side Hustle to Scalable Venture: What It Takes,’ had Costume designer, for Film and Television, Yolanda Okereke; Guinness World-record Chef, Food Entrepreneur, Hilda Baci, and Founder, Caladium Consulting, Ayo-Bankole Akintujoye, share personal insights into the discipline, systems, and support structures needed to grow informal businesses into scalable ventures.

In the second panel, ‘Thriving in the Age of AI and Remote Work,’ it included, Partner, Alan and Grant Gbenga Totoyi; Head of People Strategy and Operations, Flutterwave, Victoria Vodunnu; Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, TRACE, Ego Obiegbunam, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, explore how the modern workforce must evolve to meet the demands of technology-driven economies.

The third session focused on ‘Wealth for the Next Generation: Investing with Purpose,’ and examined the strategies for building intergenerational wealth and using money as a tool for impact. In a standout moment from the event was the fireside chat with chess advocate and Guiness World record holder, Tunde Onakoya, and Chief Executive Officer of IMMERSE Coaching Company, Debola Deji-Kurunmi (DDK), moderated by Solape Akinpelu. The conversation was anchored on personal transformation and community impact, with both speakers highlighting how mastery, mentorship, and value-based leadership can serve as a compass for economic and personal growth.