Vice President Kashim Shettima and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the weekend, commended Wema Bank Plc for standing in the past eight decades as a pillar in the country’s financial space despite the odds.

The VP who was represented by his Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSME, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, at the bank’s 80th anniversary in Lagos, said Wema Bank has survived where others failed owing to its tenacity of purpose and innovative ideas.

Shettima said the bank has demonstrated its commitment to the growth of the economy and the country’s development as it has partnered with the current administration on different fronts.

The First Lady also praised the resilience and innovation of Wema Bank and commended the management for its commitment to inclusive economic growth through the creation of products that prioritise financial inclusion.

Represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, Tinubu highlighted Wema Bank’s focus on empowering women, youth and entrepreneurs.
‘You will all agree with me, that eight decades of uninterrupted operation in Nigeria’s dynamic economic landscape is an accomplishment worthy of high recognition. But beyond your longevity, what stands out, particularly to us in the women’s movement, is your deliberate focus on inclusion, equity, and empowerment.

“Wema Bank has not only understood the structural barriers that hinder women’s full financial participation, but you have also chosen to act. Beyond just offering services, you have built pathways.

At a time when only 47 per cent of Nigerian women have formal access to banking services, compared to 58 per cent of men, your work in reducing this gap is both timely and transformational,” she said.

The MD/CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, reiterated the bank’s commitment to continue to meet the growing needs of the market.

“Wema at 80 is a milestone that extends deeply into the very roots of the industry, the people and the nation. 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 capacity. It’s a journey I am deeply proud of and I cannot celebrate alone.

“I take this moment to express my sincerest gratitude to every person and institution that has played a part in Wema Bank’s success story. From our customers to shareholders, investors, partners to employees past and present and every other stakeholder whose efforts run in the veins of this great Bank. We are Wema and I take this moment, on behalf of the Board and Management of the Bank, to reiterate our lifelong commitment to you. 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,” the chief executive said.