Wema Bank celebrates 80 years of pioneering banking in Nigeria

Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank, marks its 80th anniversary, celebrating decades of innovation, customer empowerment, and its groundbreaking digital platform, ALAT

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ema Bank, the innovative force behind Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, proudly commemorates its 80th anniversary today, Friday, May 2nd, 2025.

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

Founded on this day in 1945 as Agbonmagbe Bank Limited, Wema Bank has evolved from a single-branch operation focused on empowering indigenous Nigerians into a leading financial institution renowned for its customer-centric approach and transformative impact on Nigeria’s banking sector.

Over the past eight decades, Wema Bank has been instrumental in bridging financial access gaps, empowering businesses with tailored solutions, and driving growth across various industries.

With a strong presence through over 150 branches and its revolutionary ALAT App, the bank continues to redefine banking for millions of customers.

Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank, expressed his profound gratitude to all stakeholders, stating, “Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation.

Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation.” – Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO of Wema Bank

This is an 80-year-old bank that began to set the pace for indigenous businesses in the depths of colonial rule and has remained resolute in carrying on that mission since 1945, showing the world that ‘Nigerian-owned’ can last, and institutions can be agents of transformation in their own capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone.”

He further emphasized the bank’s unwavering commitment, adding, “Wema Bank is built to last, Wema Bank is built for you and Wema Bank will never relent in delivering optimum value to you.

It has been 80 years of impact, and as we look ahead to a future of limitless possibilities, our promise to you remains the same. We Are With You, All The Way!”

The 80th-anniversary celebrations culminate in a grand ‘Timeless Elegance’ Gala Night in Lagos at 6 p.m. today, featuring performances by Afrobeats icons Davido and Wande Coal, Fuji legend Ayuba, vocal powerhouse Yinka Davies, 9ice, and a host of other prominent figures.

Also read: Wema Bank unveils lineup for International Women’s Day 2025 celebration

The event will be broadcast live from 7 p.m. on Wema Bank’s YouTube Channel and select national TV stations, allowing everyone to partake in this historic milestone.