Wema Bank set to celebrate 80 years of indigenous innovation in Lagos

Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of ALAT, Wema Bank, will celebrate its 80th anniversary on May 2nd, 2025, with a grand event in Lagos, where its remarkable journey began

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ll eyes are set on Lagos as Wema Bank, Nigeria’s longest-standing indigenous bank, a leader in innovation, and the pioneering force behind Africa’s first fully digital bank.

Also read: Wema Bank reports record growth in 2024: profit soars 135%, assets up 60%

ALAT prepares to commemorate its 80th anniversary in spectacular fashion on May 2nd, 2025. The grand celebration will take place in Lagos, the very city where the bank’s remarkable journey commenced.

Founded on May 2nd, 1945, as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited, Wema Bank was established by the visionary Late Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, alongside his wife, Regina Adekoya Okupe, and a close family friend, Reverend Alade.

In an era where the banking sector primarily served the colonial government and expatriates, Wema Bank emerged as a crucial vanguard of indigenous banking.

It played a pivotal role in bridging the accessibility gap in financial services by providing high-quality, tailored financial solutions to indigenous Nigerians and their businesses.

The enduring narrative of Wema Bank is a powerful testament to remarkable resilience. It encapsulates the inspiring journey of an indigenous Nigerian bank that bravely rose during the height of the colonial era, successfully navigating numerous challenges and consistently reinventing itself to serve Nigerians steadfastly for eight remarkable decades and counting.

Wema Bank’s story is one of vision, resilience, and reinvention — proof that Nigerian institutions can transcend time and impact lives for generations,” said Mr. Moruf Oseni, Managing Director/CEO of Wema Bank.

What began as the visionary dream of an illustrious philanthropist in a modest room at Agbonmagbe Lodge, Yaba, Lagos, has flourished into not only Nigeria’s oldest indigenous and most resilient bank but also the nation’s most innovative financial institution.

Wema Bank’s formidable legacy stands as compelling proof of the enduring capacity of Nigerian businesses to not only survive but also to transcend time, adapt, and innovate to remain invaluable to their customers, stakeholders, shareholders, industries, and the nation as a whole.

From empowering Nigerians with top-tier financial services to creating tailored opportunities for underserved segments of the population, spearheading the future of banking, and serving as a vital backbone for Nigeria’s burgeoning FinTech industry by pioneering ALAT and enabling FinTechs to leverage its secure network, Wema Bank has built a profound legacy of impact since its inception in 1945.

As Wema Bank counts down to its milestone 80th anniversary on May 2nd, 2025, the world eagerly anticipates the future possibilities that lie ahead for this phenomenal institution.

While specific details of the grand “Wema at 80” event are yet to be fully disclosed, it is anticipated to be the most star-studded and exclusive corporate celebration of the year.

The event promises to convene generations of Nigerians in Lagos for a night of momentous reflection, joyous merriment, and unparalleled grandeur, with a dress code of timeless elegance.

For more information and updates on the Wema Bank 80th Anniversary celebration, please visit www.wemabank.com/Wemaat80 and follow Wema Bank’s social media channels @wemabank.