Wema Bank, Nigeria’s leading innovative financial institution and the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, commemorated International Women’s Day 2025 with a grand event at its Head Office in Lagos.
Themed “Harnessing Innovation & Technology to Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women,” the event underscored the bank’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and financial inclusion. Deriving inspiration from the global IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” Wema Bank brought together distinguished women leaders and experts to chart a course for a more inclusive financial landscape.
One of the major highlights of the event was the graduation ceremony of the Big Sister Programme Cohort 2, an initiative under the Wema Women Network aimed at mentoring and supporting women in business and leadership. The event also featured special musical and poetry performances, adding a cultural touch to the celebration.
A key moment was the HeForShe 2025 Awards, which recognized outstanding male employees of Wema Bank who have actively contributed to women’s empowerment, encouraging more men to take decisive actions in supporting gender equality.
The panel session, moderated by media personality and TV presenter Olive Emodi, featured three accomplished women driving change in their respective fields:
- Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University
- Solape Akinpelu, CEO of Harvest
- Tochi Ginigeme, Lead Deal Matchmaking, Impact Investors Foundation
Their discussions provided valuable insights on breaking barriers and leveraging technology for women’s empowerment, earning praise from attendees across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mrs. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, Chairman of Wema Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to gender equality, stating:
“The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action.’ As the first female Chairman of Wema Bank, my career is a testament to the impact that can be generated when individuals and corporations take decisive steps for women’s empowerment. Gender equality is a global goal, and we all have a role to play in making it a reality.”
Further emphasizing the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to inclusion, Mr. Moruf Oseni (FCIB), Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, highlighted Wema’s long-standing role in empowering women, stating:
“Empowering lives has always been central to Wema Bank’s identity. Since our inception in 1945, we have championed inclusion, support, and opportunities for women. In 2019, we launched ‘SARA by Wema,’ a dedicated initiative to bridge the financial gap for women.”
Mr. Oseni detailed the bank’s impact:
- Over 400,000 unbanked women have been onboarded into the financial system.
- N75 billion in low-interest loans and $20,000 in grants have been disbursed.
- More than 900 jobs have been created for women.
- 3,000 women entrepreneurs have gained market access, connecting with 135,000 customers and generating over $4 million in sales.
“For us at Wema Bank, ‘Accelerating Action’ goes beyond words. As we celebrate 80 years on May 2, 2025, we are more determined than ever to create a future where women thrive, where equity is the norm, and where empowerment is a reality, not just an ideal,” Mr. Oseni added.
As Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank approaches its 80th anniversary, Wema Bank continues to set the pace in financial innovation and gender inclusion. With a legacy spanning eight decades, the bank remains committed to fostering an environment where women can succeed and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
