Managing Director, Wema Bank Plc, Mr Moruf Oseni, has said that the aspiration of the institution’s board and management is to return the bank to the highest level of the Nigerian banking industry.
Speaking at the Gala Night held over the weekend in Lagos in celebration of the bank’s 80th anniversary, Oseni said the bank’s priority is to reclaim its status as a tier 1 bank while building a resilient future.
Highlighting the theme of the celebration: ‘Timeless Elegance’, Oseni said Wema Bank’s objective is to be counted amongst Nigeria’s leading brands.
“We have a bold vision for Nigeria’s financial future. Our immediate aim is to reclaim our place at the industry’s forefront. We will keep innovating, using technology to offer financial services that empower Nigerians and Africans to succeed wherever they are,” Oseni said.
He expressed confidence in the bank’s future, anchored on “creativity, innovation and unwavering customer focus”.
He stressed the bank’s commitment to nurturing future talents, while honouring the role of women in the bank’s fortunes, both past and present.
He stressed the unity that exists in Wema Bank, noting that Wema Bank’s staffs are skilful, ready to face challenges, and fulfil the bank’s potential.
“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.
He emphasised the bank’s ongoing focus on youth empowerment, gender equity, and customer-driven innovation.
Wema Bank’s chairman and first female to assume the position, Dr Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, reflected on the institution’s long and storied history.
She said: “We celebrate God’s grace, foresight, resilience, hard work and inclusivity”, adding that these traditions are proudly upheld by the bank.
Olorunshola recounted the bank’s foundation in 1945 as Agbomagbe Bank, Nigeria’s first indigenous bank during colonial rule.
“It was these values that gave our founder the courage to establish Agbomagbe Bank under colonial rule,” Olorunshola said.
She praised Wema Bank’s resilience through key moments in history, including war, economic booms, and global crises.
She said: “We welcomed information, explored new terrain, and embraced innovation fearlessly. We’re not just counting years — we’re celebrating seasons, generations, eras, and transformational milestones”.
The Federal Government praised Wema Bank for its innovative initiatives that have transformed Nigeria’s banking landscape.
The government lauded Wema Bank for transforming the banking system with the launch of ALAT eight years ago, a move that rejuvenated the bank into one of the best in the country.
Speaking at the bank’s grand celebration gala night in Lagos,with the theme: 80 Years of Impact, The Future of Possibilities, Vice President Kashim Shettima, commended Wema Bank for redefining digital banking and for being a committed partner in national development.
“You have an eight-year-old digital bank in ALAT, now Nigeria’s number one, from a bank once known as one for our grandmothers. That’s remarkable, The Presidency does not take your support for granted. From empowering MSMEs to partnering with us on national innovation programmes, your contributions are exceptional.
“80 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,” Shettima said.
While commending Oseni and the entire management team for leading boldly into the future, the Vice President noted that Wema Bank was the first bank to partner with the government on the Alaska Innovation Programme aimed at training three million Nigerians, adding that the bank was also also pioneers in cooperative banking, empowering informal economic players.
At the gathering which pulled together the governors from the Southwest, amongst them Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State; Lucky Aiyedatuwa of Ondo State, former Ogun State helmsman, Chief Segun Osoba, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo of Elizade Motors, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Job Creation & MSME, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Chief Kessington Adebutu, promoter of Baba Ijebu Lotto, and a host of other dignitaries.
Adebutu commended the bank’s resilience and foresight, citing its humble roots to becoming a major player in the banking industry.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
