FG Hails Wema Bank at 80, Commends Legacy of Innovation and National Impact
The Federal Government has hailed Wema Bank on its 80th anniversary, celebrating the institution’s transformative impact on Nigeria’s financial sector and national development.
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Job Creation and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, delivered a powerful tribute during the bank’s grand celebration gala night in Lagos, themed “80 Years of Impact, The Future of Possibilities.”
Speaking at the commemorative event, tagged “The Night of Gratitude,” Adekunle-Johnson praised Wema Bank for redefining digital banking and for being a committed partner in national growth.
“You have an 18-year-old digital bank in ALAT, now Nigeria’s number one, from a bank once known as one for our grandmothers. That’s remarkable transformation,” he said. “The Presidency does not take your support for granted. From empowering MSMEs to partnering with us on national innovation programmes, your contributions are exceptional.”
He recalled the bank’s generous donation of a brand-new car to an entrepreneur from Ekiti State in 2024 as just one of its many impactful initiatives, lauding its consistency in partnering with government-led interventions.
Reading the official remarks of Vice President Shettima, Adekunle-Johnson stated: “Eighty years in the life of an institution is not a mere passage of time. It comes with a record of stories, of challenges overcome, of milestones attained, and dreams realised. Wema Bank’s journey from its founding in 1945 to today is a reflection of resilience, vision, and innovation.”
He also commended Mr. Moruf Oseni and the entire management team for leading boldly into the future. “You were the first bank to partner with us on the Alaska Innovation Programme aimed at training three million Nigerians. You were also pioneers in cooperative banking, empowering informal economic players nationwide,” he said.
Also at the event, Wema Bank’s Chairman, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola—the first female to hold the position—delivered an emotional keynote address celebrating the bank’s long-standing tradition of excellence and inclusivity.
“Wema Bank was founded during the thick of Nigeria’s colonial era, grew from a single branch to over 150, and pioneered Africa’s first fully digital bank. This is a story of God’s grace, foresight, resilience, and tenacity,” she said. She acknowledged the bank’s journey through colonial rule, civil war, economic downturns, and a global pandemic, crediting its survival to strong leadership and stakeholder support.
Managing Director/CEO Mr. Moruf Oseni echoed similar sentiments, pledging the bank’s continued commitment to financial inclusion, digital innovation, and national development.
“Our journey of 80 years is a testament to transformation. We are not resting—we are building the future of banking for the next generation,” Oseni said, while emphasizing the bank’s ongoing focus on youth empowerment, gender equity, and customer-driven innovation through platforms like ALAT.
The night was filled with reflections, tributes, and a celebration of Wema Bank’s legacy—past, present, and future. The Federal Government, represented by the Office of the Vice President, joined the chorus of voices in expressing deep appreciation.
“To the management and staff of Wema Bank, thank you for the lives you’ve touched, the ideas you’ve pioneered, and the service you continue to deliver. On behalf of the President and the people of Nigeria, we say: Happy 80th anniversary,” Adekunle-Johnson concluded.
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