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  • Wema Bank plans big for IWD 2025

    Wema Bank plans big for IWD 2025

    Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank, has announced its plans to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, further solidifying its position as a gender equality and inclusion-driven bank.

    As part of its activities, Wema Bank will host the IWD 2025 Event on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event, themed “Harnessing Innovation & Technology To Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women,” will bring together influential women from various industries to discuss the importance of leveraging innovation and technology to promote financial inclusion for women.

    The event will also feature the Big Sister Project of the Wema Women Network, which recognizes beneficiaries of the bank’s women-focused mentorship program. Additionally, the HeForShe Awards will be presented to male employees who have made significant contributions to women empowerment in the workspace.

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    Throughout the month of March, Wema Bank has curated various activities to celebrate and reward women across Nigeria. These include the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 women’s month draw, where 131 women will receive N11,000,000 in cash rewards, and the Wema Women Network (WWN) outreach initiative for young female students.

    Commenting on the bank’s commitment to women empowerment, MD/CEO Moruf Oseni (FCIB) stated,  “In a world that is increasingly becoming digital, no conversation on sustainable development can be productive without giving consideration to how solutions in such regard will thrive and remain relevant as the world continues to evolve.

  • Wema Bank unveils activities for IWD 2025

    Wema Bank unveils activities for IWD 2025

    Wema Bank has announced plans to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, further solidifying its position as a gender equality and inclusion-driven bank.

    As part of its activities, Wema Bank will host the IWD 2025 Event on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. 

    The event with the theme: “Harnessing innovation & technology to accelerate financial inclusion for women,” will bring together influential women from various industries to discuss the importance of leveraging innovation and technology to promote financial inclusion for women.

    The event will also feature the Big Sister Project of the Wema Women Network, which recognizes beneficiaries of the bank’s women-focused mentorship program. Additionally, the HeForShe Awards will be presented to male employees who have made significant contributions to women empowerment in the workspace.

    Throughout the month of March, Wema Bank has curated various activities to celebrate and reward women across Nigeria. These include the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 women’s month draw, where 131 women will receive N11,000,000 in cash rewards, and the Wema Women Network (WWN) outreach initiative for young female students.

    Read Also: Wema Bank, Southwest governors collaborate on food security

    Commenting on the bank’s commitment to women empowerment, MD/CEO Moruf Oseni (FCIB) stated:  “In a world that is increasingly becoming digital, no conversation on sustainable development can be productive without giving consideration to how solutions in such regard will thrive and remain relevant as the world continues to evolve, As Nigeria’s oldest indigenous and leading innovative Bank, we are both deeply rooted in the advocacy for empowerment and remarkably forward thinking, so our mission of empowering lives is one that goes far beyond lip service”.

    “We recognise the gap that exists in gender equality and as a pro-women bank, we have continued to develop new and more efficient ways to accelerate action for women empowerment. This is why we launched our women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema and this is why we are so intentional about making room for women in the spaces that matter and developing solutions that empower women to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

    “So, for IWD 2025, we are thinking beyond the now, as always, and looking far into the future to accelerate action for sustainable women empowerment by maximising technology and innovation to amplify impact. With this futuristic mindset, we successfully provided over N50 billion in finance, disbursed $2.4 million in collaboration with the Islamic Development Finance under the BRAVE Women project, and reached over 2million women through various skills development, business support, and market access programme—and these are just some of our numbers between 2019 and 2023.

    “Imagine how much progress can be made in the global quest for women empowerment if more individuals and institutions begin to replicate the Wema approach. This is the vision that has kept us driven for 8 decades and these are some of the important discussions we will address at the Wema Bank International Women’s Day 2025 Event”.

    As the bank approaches its 80th anniversary, its IWD 2025 activities will reinforce its position as a leader in promoting gender equality and inclusion.

  • Wema Bank, Southwest governors collaborate on food security

    Wema Bank, Southwest governors collaborate on food security

    Wema Bank Plc has expressed its commitment to collaborating with governors in the SouthWest to enhance local innovation ecosystems, utilising technology and innovation as key drivers for the necessary transformation in food systems across the region.

    At a news conference announcing the call for applications for the sixth edition of its Hackaholics, which will hold in Lagos State, the Executive Director, Retail and Digital Business, Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, reiterated the bank’s dedication to fostering innovations that improve the value and resilience of smallholder farmers

    This, he explained, will be achieved by increasing access to technological solutions and markets, addressing inefficiencies, accelerating transformation, and supporting various priorities within agri-food systems.

    He stated that Hackaholics was designed to identify technology startups that provide viable solutions to challenges encountered in agriculture and various other sectors, while also promoting their growth on both national and international levels.

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    He emphasised that the event has become a transformative force in the economy, delivering innovative responses to emerging challenges, while also highlighted the significant potential it has revealed within the economy.

    Through collaboration with other organisations, the bank’s boss noted that the initiative seeks to enhance cross-border collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing and attract investments to support impactful technology innovations, thereby improving the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of business practices.

    He asserted that technology start-ups have emerged as a solution to the challenges faced by Nigerian businesses, fostering a collaborative environment that addresses critical issues related to production and supply chain management, among others.

    So far, he stated that Wema Bank Plc  has given grants to the tune of $300,000 to 18 successful start-up innovators from the previous five editions of the Hackaholics programme.

    During last year’s grand finale, the Managing Director and Chief Executive,Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, announced an increase in the prize pool from N75 million to N145 million. He emphasised Wema Bank’s commitment not only to banking the youth but also to empowering them to shape their futures. “Our goal is to extend beyond merely banking the youth; we aim to assist them in crafting their success stories and shaping the future,” he stated.

    He urged Corporate Nigeria to invest in sustainable initiatives, reflecting on the N75 million figure and expressing a desire to push for greater efforts. “With appropriate investments in STEM, I am confident that Nigeria’s exceptional youth will not only continue to excel in entertainment and sports but will also embrace the innovations that will propel Nigeria towards greatness,” he said.

    Oseni noted that initiatives such as Hackaholics can facilitate Nigeria’s progress in overcoming challenges and achieving excellence. “We don’t have to go the path of other great nations. We could use this platform to leapfrog and get Nigeria to where it needs to be.”

    Emphasising the vital role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)in the country’s journey toward sustainable development, he argued that no country has advanced without prioritising science and technology, calling on leaders to align their intentions with concrete actions.

    “I must say that this is not enough, for no nation has made a successful transition from third, second to first world status without significant investment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As such, there is a huge responsibility on leaders across both the public and private sectors to put our money where our mouths are, and align noble intention with action,” he said.

    Oseni added that the aspirations for national growth will remain unattainable unless investments are made in core sciences, as they are the foundation of innovation and nation-building.

    He therefore called on private and public stakeholders to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for tech-driven innovation.

    “Some of the biggest companies in the U.S. started in universities. Nigeria can emulate this by putting money behind our youth’s ideas to create world-class solutions that power our economy,” he stated., announced an increase in the prize pool from N75 million to N145 million. He emphasised Wema Bank’s commitment not only to banking the youth but also to empowering them to shape their futures. “Our goal is to extend beyond merely banking the youth; we aim to assist them in crafting their success stories and shaping the future,” he stated. He urged Corporate Nigeria to invest in sustainable initiatives, reflecting on the N75 million figure and expressing a desire to push for greater efforts. “With appropriate investments in STEM, I am confident that Nigeria’s exceptional youth will not only continue to excel in entertainment and sports but will also embrace the innovations that will propel Nigeria towards greatness.” Oseni continued  that initiatives such as Hackaholics can facilitate Nigeria’s progress in overcoming challenges and achieving excellence. “We don’t have to go the path of other great nations. We could use this platform to leapfrog and get Nigeria to where it needs to be,” Oseni said.

  • Bridge joins Wema Bank’s startup accelerator program

    Bridge joins Wema Bank’s startup accelerator program

    Bridge, an innovative and multi-layered escrow payment platform poised to transform the landscape of social media e-commerce, has announced its selection as a participant in Wema Bank’s Startup Accelerator Program.

    This remarkable chance positions Bridge to elevate its mission to transform online transactions in Nigeria’s dynamic and rapidly expanding digital market to new heights, setting the stage for a new era of seamless and efficient online commerce.

    The Wema Bank Accelerator Programme represents a pivotal moment for Bridge, providing the startup with essential resources, expert mentorship, and financial backing to elevate its cutting-edge secure transaction platform.

    Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, Bridge hopes to take advantage of the programme’s holistic support system, including workshops, networking, and exposure to industry expertise.

    This will enable the company to maximize and expand its innovative solutions, tackling major issues faced in Nigeria’s rapidly growing e-commerce industry, such as payment security, transaction speed, and customer confidence.

    Through this partnership, Bridge is poised to make a lasting difference in the marketplace, fuelling growth and spurring greater access for online consumers

    “Being selected for Wema Bank’s Accelerator Programme is a validating milestone for our vision of establishing a trusted and secure transaction environment for online buyers and sellers,” said Jerry Peters, Co-Founder of Bridge.

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    “This opportunity will allow us to speed up our growth and expand our mission of promoting secure social commerce to more Nigerians.”

    Through the Wema Bank Accelerator Programme, Bridge aims to significantly expand its customer base by actively targeting new demographics and regions, allowing more individuals and businesses to access its services.

    The program will also continue to advance Bridge’s technology infrastructure, including software and hardware enhancements, to deliver sound security and a superior user experience.

    At the press conference and official announcement, Mr. Babatunde Mumuni, Chief Transformation & Innovation Officer, announced the return of the Accelerator Programme, emphasizing its role in empowering startups that emerged from the Hackaholics Programme.

    “We are reigniting this initiative to provide these startups with the critical support they need to secure funding and drive meaningful collaborations,” he stated.

    Solomon Ayodele, Head of Innovation & IDEAx Labs [WEMA Incubation & Accelerator Lab], further highlighted the depth of the programme, revealing that a meticulously designed curriculum will equip startups with the knowledge and networks required for long-term success.

    “Over the course of five weeks, participants will engage with global facilitators and mentors across key industry verticals. The programme will culminate in a high-impact Demo Day, where we will bring together key ecosystem players to showcase the groundbreaking innovations of these startups,” he added.

    In addition, under the accelerator program, Bridge seeks to establish strategic collaborations with other organizations, financial institutions, and technology firms.

    The collaborations will leverage complementing capabilities to create innovative solutions and promote mutual growth. The initiative will also enable Bridge to utilize data-driven market research and outreach strategies, enabling it to discover new opportunities and effectively reach potential customers in various industries.

  • Wema Bank to train, empower 800,000 SMEs

    Wema Bank to train, empower 800,000 SMEs

    Reinforcing its reputation as an institution committed to empowering Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Wema Bank has undertaken an initiative to empower 800,000 Nigerian businesses; following its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

    SMEDAN is a national agency established in 2003 with the goal of promoting the development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector of the Nigerian Economy.

    The partnership with Wema Bank is focused on training MSMEs on soft skills, technical skills, and business skills, empowering them to build profitable businesses, gain more visibility and scale sustainably.

    Read Also: Wema Bank to train, empower 800,000 businesses

    To execute the initiative, which will take course over the next 12 to 18 months, Wema Bank will provide the training and resources for the 800,000 businesses who will be curated by SMEDAN.

    Commenting on the partnership, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, reiterated the Bank’s lifelong commitment to empowering Nigerians to thrive.

    He said, “At Wema Bank, we don’t pay lip service to SME matters. From inception in 1945, Wema Bank was built with a purpose to provide financing for the indigenous people of Nigeria. It wasn’t because banks didn’t exist during those years; it was because we identified the gaps in access to finance for our people. This is why Wema Bank came to life; to provide tailored financial services and empower Nigerians to thrive on both individual and business levels.”

  • Wema Bank customers win big in 80th daily draw 5 for 5 promo Season 4

    Wema Bank customers win big in 80th daily draw 5 for 5 promo Season 4

    Ahead of the grand celebration of its 80th anniversary, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has rewarded 80 customers in the 80th daily draw of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4.

    The draw took place last Thursday, at the Wema Bank Head Office Facility in Lagos.

    Launched in 2021, the 5 for 5 Promo is Wema Bank’s dedicated avenue for demonstrating its gratitude to its customers for their loyalty, support and patronage of the Bank and its products. Since its launch, the Promo has disbursed over N150,000,000 to Wema Bank customers across Nigeria in the first three seasons.

    Raising the bar with N135,000,000 set for disbursement in just one season, Wema Bank kicked off Season 4 on October 1, 2024, rewarding 64 customers as Nigeria clocked 64.

    In the last 4 months, over 2,000 Wema Bank customers have won cash prizes of up to N1,000,000 each across daily, weekly and monthly draws, with 522 winners emerging across 4 monthly draws, 800 winners emerging across 16 weekly draws and over 900 winners emerging across 80 daily draws so far. This season has, by far, been the biggest season yet, with almost three times the prizes and winners recorded across all other seasons combined.

    With Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary coming up on May 2nd, 2025, the Bank decided to commemorate the 80th daily draw by rewarding 80 customers with cash prizes.

    Introducing a unique twist to the daily draws, the 80th daily draw featured a live audience in the studio for the first time ever, capturing real-time expressions of joy and fulfillment as the draw revealed the 80 lucky winners for the day.

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    Presenting the cheques to the winners from the live audience, Wema Bank’s Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business, Tunde Mabawonku, emphasised the Bank’s commitment to empowering lives and providing a rewarding and fulfilling banking experience for its customers.

    According to him, “Wema Bank has grown immensely since 1945 till date, and our best years are still ahead of us. We do not take for granted the role of our customers in our 80-year journey, and the 80th daily draw presented another opportunity to celebrate Wema at 80 by rewarding 80 customers, and we are honoured that our customers took the needed steps to participate.

    “The rewards are endless and limitless for us at Wema Bank, and we will never relent in providing a rewarding banking experience for our customers and delivering optimum value to every stakeholder. To every customer that has won in the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo so far, including the special 80th daily draw, I say a huge congratulations. We have set aside N135,000,000 for disbursement this season and we are just 4 months in with six more to go. I encourage every Wema Bank customer to keep funding their accounts and transacting using our alternative channels, which are the ALAT App, our USSD code *945# and the Wema/ALAT debit card. There is room for everyone on the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo and we look forward to rewarding more customers as the season progresses,” Mabawonku concluded.

  • Wema Bank to train, empower 800,000 businesses

    Wema Bank to train, empower 800,000 businesses

    Wema Bank has undertaken an initiative to empower 800,000 Nigerian businesses following its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

    SMEDAN is a national agency established in 2003 with the goal of promoting the development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector of the Nigerian Economy.

    The partnership with Wema Bank is focused on training MSMEs on soft skills, technical skills, and business skills, empowering them to build profitable businesses, gain more visibility and scale sustainably.

    To execute the initiative, which will take course over the next 12 to 18 months, Wema Bank will provide the training and resources for the 800,000 businesses who will be curated by SMEDAN.

    Commenting on the partnership, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, reiterated the Bank’s lifelong commitment to empowering Nigerians to thrive.

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    He said: “At Wema Bank, we don’t pay lip service to SME matters. From inception in 1945, Wema Bank was built with a purpose to provide financing for the indigenous people of Nigeria. It wasn’t because banks didn’t exist during those years, it was because we identified the gaps in access to finance for our people. This is why Wema Bank came to life; to provide tailored financial services and empower Nigerians to thrive on both individual and business levels.

    “Over the past eight decades, Wema Bank has been driving this lifelong mission of empowering Nigerians with access to finance, constantly reinventing to develop more efficient ways of delivering value to the people. One cardinal thing that we haven’t deviated from is that we are fully committed to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses in Nigeria.

    “The petty traders we provided for in the 1900s are the entrepreneurs and MSMEs that we continue to empower in the 2000s, and we will never relent in fulfilling this promise. So, MSME empowerment for us is not just a buzzword. It is what we have always done, what we are doing through this partnership with SMEDAN and what we will continue to do beyond 80 years.”

    Commending Wema Bank’s evident commitment and key role in empowering business and stimulating growth in the MSME Sector, Charles Odili, the Director General of SMEDAN expressed confidence in the success of this partnership with Wema Bank towards building a sustainably successful future for Nigerian MSMEs.

     “I want to again, thank Wema Bank. This is a prime example of how collaboration and determination to create impact can make a positive difference. I thank you for their constant support to MSMEs and for not paying lip service to MSME Empowerment in Nigeria.”

    Wema Bank has earned an admirable reputation as Nigeria’s SME Bank, going above and beyond in empowering businesses with access to finance, visibility, market access, tailored trainings, mentorship and various other forms of support.

    Through this partnership with SMEDAN, Wema Bank is set to advance Nigeria’s MSME industry, building formidable Nigerian businesses and reinforcing Wema Bank’s position as the Bank that is committed to empowering MSMEs.

  • Wema Bank commits to empowering women-led businesses

    Wema Bank commits to empowering women-led businesses

    Wema Bank has reaffirmed dedication to empowering women-led businesses in the country.

    This reaffirmation was announced during the bank’s announcement of its 80 years anniversary campaigns targeted at supporting and rewarding its existing and potential customers across the country.

    Reiterating its commitment to women led businesses and solidifying its role as a champion of gender inclusivity and economic growth, the bank also stated its return as the headline sponsor of the 2025 NBC Trade Fair, which will run across 16 states in Nigeria and internationally, supporting thousands of women, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

    In a statement, Wema Bank, through the 2024 NBC Trade Fair, achieved remarkable success, generating over ₦3.5 billion in SME revenue and creating transformative opportunities for businesses across Nigeria.

    “With eight local fairs held in various cities and a groundbreaking international edition in London, the fair showcased the power of collaboration and inclusivity.

    Read Also: 80th anniversary: Wema Bank to reward 80 customers in 5 for 5 promo

    “Over 4,450 SMEs participated, with 85% being female-led. These achievements reflect the tangible impact of Wema Bank’s support and dedication to fostering women’s economic growth and advancement.

    “As Wema Bank celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2025, the stage is set for an even grander and bolder NBC Trade Fair 2025. This year’s fair promises more opportunities, tailored rewards, and unparalleled support for female entrepreneurs and business owners. With its legacy of enabling businesses and people, the 2025 NBC Trade Fair is not just a celebration of success but a testament to Wema Bank’s dedication to Women empowerment.”

  • 80th anniversary: Wema Bank to reward 80 customers in 5 for 5 promo

    80th anniversary: Wema Bank to reward 80 customers in 5 for 5 promo

    In commemoration of its 80th anniversary, Wema Bank has announced plans to reward 80 customers with cash prizes in the 80th daily draw of its 5 for 5 Promo Season 4.

    The virtual draw, scheduled to hold on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 4pm will select 80 winners randomly from Wema Bank’s pool of active and transacting customers who have made transactions using the ALAT App, *945#, or the Wema/ALAT debit card.

    According to the statement by the financial institution, the 5 for 5 Promo, launched in 2019, has been a huge success, disbursing over N150,000,000 to thousands of customers across Nigeria.

    The promo is designed to reward Wema Bank customers for their active loyalty to the brand and its products.

    Season 4 of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo kicked off on October 1, 2024, with a sum of N135,000,000 cash prize set for disbursement across daily, weekly, monthly, and a special grand prize draw where one Wema Bank customer will win N5,000,000.

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    So far, over 2,000 Wema Bank customers have emerged winners, receiving cash prizes ranging from N5,000 to N1,000,000 each.

    To participate in the special 80th draw, customers must make at least one transaction via the three valid channels. New and existing customers can participate, regardless of their location in Nigeria.

    The draw will be broadcast live on Wema Bank’s official Instagram (@wemabank) and YouTube (@WemaBankofficial) channels, allowing anyone in any part of the world to watch the excitement unfold.

  • Bank begins 80th anniversary campaign

    Bank begins 80th anniversary campaign

    Wema Bank has kicked off its 80th anniversary campaign with the launch of its Valentine campaign tagged: ‘80 Years of Spreading Love’, scheduled to run from February 1 to 28.

    Wema Bank’s ‘“80 Years of Spreading Love’ campaign is a customer-focused campaign designed to reward loyalty, strengthen connections and create unforgettable experience for customers across all segments.

    As part of this campaign, the bank, through 80 Acts of Love, will reward customers across generations, lifestyles and financial needs.

    From young customers looking to experience financial independence with ALAT Xplore, to business owners leveraging ALAT for business and SME toolkit, the bank is rolling out exciting rewards tailored to meet their unique needs. Customers can look forward to N11,000,000 cash prize in the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4, gift cards, movie tickets, fitness access and luxury spa treatments to make their Valentine’s season extra special.

    Additionally, students and young professionals will enjoy free airtime and Uber vouchers, ensuring they stay connected while celebrating love.

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    For women and families, Wema Bank is offering free SARA health consultations, special business promotions, and access to networking opportunities that empower female entrepreneurs.

    Diaspora and prestige customers will enjoy discounted loans, cash back rewards and priority customer service, making banking even more rewarding.

    Customers can also take advantage of up to 15 per cent off CIG Motors products, including free vehicle registration and car trackers, as well as 5 per cent off Green Asset products with free StarTimes decoders and a six-month subscription.

    SMEs and entrepreneurs will benefit from free delivery services, business training sessions, Meta advert credits and promotional support to help them scale their businesses.

    Speaking about the inspiration behind the campaign, Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO of Wema Bank, says ‘80 Years of Spreading Love’ Valentine campaign is the first in a series of exciting activities leading up to Wema Bank grand 80th anniversary celebration.