Event
Wema Bank celebrates 80th anniversary, receives national commendation
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of ALAT, marks its 80th anniversary, receiving national commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its resilience and innovation.
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of ALAT, marks its 80th anniversary, receiving national commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its resilience and innovation
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, officially celebrated its 80th anniversary on May 2nd, 2025.
The milestone was met with national commendation for the bank’s enduring legacy as Nigeria’s oldest and longest-surviving indigenous bank.
Established in 1945 as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited, Wema Bank played a crucial role in the growth of indigenous banking in Nigeria, breaking the colonial monopoly in the sector.
Over the past eight decades, Wema Bank has evolved into a leader in banking and innovation, consistently demonstrating its commitment to empowering Nigerians with access to financial services. Its 80-year journey stands as a testament to the potential for indigenous businesses to thrive in Nigeria.
In a congratulatory statement released on May 1, 2025, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, lauded Wema Bank for its unwavering resilience and technological innovations.
The fact that this great bank is even older than our beloved nation and is still thriving at 80, is a thing of pride and worthy of celebration.” – Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO, Wema Bank
He noted the bank’s consistent focus on supporting Nigerian businesses across key economic sectors with strategic advisory and financial support, vital for sustainable growth. President Tinubu expressed his confidence in Wema Bank’s continued success.
L-R: Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun; Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, MD/CEO Wema Bank PLC, Moruf Oseni and Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Seyi Makinde at the Wema Bank 80 Years Anniversary Gala Night Held in Lagos over the weekend…
Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, expressed gratitude to the government, partners, customers, shareholders, and employees for their support throughout the bank’s 80-year transformation.
He highlighted the rarity of corporate longevity in Nigeria, emphasizing the pride in Wema Bank being older than the nation itself and still thriving.
Oseni reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to digital innovation, inclusive banking, and customer-focused service, with a bold vision to return to the top tier of banking in Nigeria, driven by purpose, innovation, and a deep focus on customers.
The 80th-anniversary Gala, held in Lagos on May 2nd, 2025, was attended by dignitaries including the Governors of Oyo, Ogun, and Ondo States, as well as representatives of Vice President Kashim Shettima and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who conveyed the federal government’s appreciation for Wema Bank’s contributions to inclusion and economic development.
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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