Event
Wema Bank celebrates 80 years of pioneering banking in Nigeria
Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank, marks its 80th anniversary, celebrating decades of innovation, customer empowerment, and its groundbreaking digital platform, ALAT.
Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank, marks its 80th anniversary, celebrating decades of innovation, customer empowerment, and its groundbreaking digital platform, ALAT
Wema Bank, the innovative force behind Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, proudly commemorates its 80th anniversary today, Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Also read: Wema Bank set to celebrate 80 years of indigenous innovation in Lagos
Founded on this day in 1945 as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited, Wema Bank has evolved from a single-branch operation focused on empowering indigenous Nigerians into a leading financial institution renowned for its customer-centric approach and transformative impact on Nigeria’s banking sector.
Over the past eight decades, Wema Bank has been instrumental in bridging financial access gaps, empowering businesses with tailored solutions, and driving growth across various industries.
With a strong presence through over 150 branches and its revolutionary ALAT App, the bank continues to redefine banking for millions of customers.
Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank, expressed his profound gratitude to all stakeholders, stating, “Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation.
Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation.” – Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO of Wema Bank
This is an 80-year-old bank that began to set the pace for indigenous businesses in the depths of colonial rule and has remained resolute in carrying on that mission since 1945, showing the world that ‘Nigerian-owned’ can last, and institutions can be agents of transformation in their own capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone.”
He further emphasized the bank’s unwavering commitment, adding, “Wema Bank is built to last, Wema Bank is built for you and Wema Bank will never relent in delivering optimum value to you.
It has been 80 years of impact, and as we look ahead to a future of limitless possibilities, our promise to you remains the same. We Are With You, All The Way!”
The 80th-anniversary celebrations culminate in a grand ‘Timeless Elegance’ Gala Night in Lagos at 6 p.m. today, featuring performances by Afrobeats icons Davido and Wande Coal, Fuji legend Ayuba, vocal powerhouse Yinka Davies, 9ice, and a host of other prominent figures.
The event will be broadcast live from 7 p.m. on Wema Bank’s YouTube Channel and select national TV stations, allowing everyone to partake in this historic milestone.
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State Dr Dauda Lawal has received the Outstanding Governor Award from the Daily Times in the North–West region during its centenary anniversary in Abuja.
The governor accepted the award today at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, organised by Nigeria’s oldest newspaper to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
Governor Lawal was recognised for his leadership, public service, and contribution to national development.
The award was part of activities celebrating the centenary of the newspaper, which was first published in 1926 and has chronicled Nigeria’s political, economic, social, and cultural progress over the past century.
Chairman of the DTN@100 Heroes Awards Council, Bolaji Okusaga, stated that Governor Lawal was chosen because he received the highest nominations in the North-West.
“Following an extensive nomination and public voting process, you received the highest number of votes in this award category.
“The Times Heroes Award Council and other key stakeholders subsequently confirmed your selection in recognition of your leadership, public service, and contribution to national development,” Mr. Okusaga said.
Governor Lawal expressed his gratitude to the Board, Management, and Organising Committee of the Daily Times Nigeria @100 Celebration, the Times Heroes Award Council, and all Nigerians who supported his nomination.
He stated that the honour reflects his commitment to promoting good governance and effective public service in Zamfara State.
Other notable Nigerians honoured include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume; and former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina.
The newspaper announced that recipients of the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards will be featured among the most outstanding individuals and institutions in the 700-page Nigerian Grand Book.
“This publication will serve as a national commemorative volume and a lasting record of the people, institutions, and achievements shaping Nigeria’s development.”
The foreword of the Nigerian Grand Book has been written by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as a distinguished public servant whose career has been defined by integrity, resilience and commitment to national service.
Tinubu, in a goodwill message issued on Wednesday, commended Shettima for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and his years of service in both the public and private sectors.
He said public service at the highest level requires sound judgment, resilience and the ability to remain focused amid the challenges associated with leadership.
“Happy 60th birthday, Your Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON.
“Public service at the highest levels in Nigeria is not a path for those in search of comfort. It demands sound judgement, resilience through challenging seasons, and the consistency to remain focused on the responsibility at hand,” Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on Shettima’s career, the Oando chief executive noted that the Vice President’s journey from banking to public administration had been marked by service and perseverance.
He particularly referenced Shettima’s tenure as governor of Borno State, describing his leadership of the state during difficult years as an important phase of his public career.
“From a distinguished career in banking to leading Borno through some of the toughest years in its history, and now as Vice President of our country, yours has been a journey marked by service, excellence and perseverance,” he said.
Tinubu also prayed for the Vice President as he begins his seventh decade, wishing him good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.
“On this day and ever more, may Allah grant you good health, wisdom, strength, and joy in the company of those you hold dear.
“I wish you every blessing and fulfilment in your service to our great nation and its people,” he added.
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