By Ayomide Otitoju
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous financial institution and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, commemorated its 80th anniversary with a grand gala at the Eko Convention Center, themed ‘A Night of Timeless Elegance.’
The highlight of the celebration was a customer appreciation initiative that saw the bank reward 88 loyal customers with a total of over ₦14 million in cash prizes. Eight customers walked away with ₦1 million each, while 80 others received ₦80,000 apiece, marking the climax of the bank’s ‘80-for-80’ campaign, which ran from April 17 to the day of the event.
Wema Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Moruf Oseni, personally presented the cheques to winners at the event, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to celebrating its customers. “Reaching 80 years is a celebration of longevity and a testament to the resilience of our brand and the trust of the people we serve,” Oseni said. “This celebration is also about the lives we can touch.”
One of the million-naira winners, Mr. Kazeem Lawal, expressed surprise and joy: “I attended the event to celebrate with my bank, not expecting to win. It was a surreal moment.”
Hosted by Nollywood veteran Chief Femi Branch and media personality Olive Emodi, the event featured dazzling performances by musical legends and entertainers. Ayuba delivered a specially composed Wema Bank song, while stars like Davido, 9ice, Wande Coal, Yinka Davies, and Cobhams Asuquo thrilled the audience. Wande Coal’s energetic medley and 9ice’s hits, including “Gongo Aso,” lit up the night.
The red carpet attracted a host of celebrities, including Stan Nze, Deyemi Okanlawon, Teddy A, and media figures such as Morayo Afolabi-Brown.
Top dignitaries in attendance included the Governors of Ondo, Ogun, and Oyo States; Chief Kessington Adebutu; Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; and the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim. The Emir of Lafiaji, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Kudu, was also present.
The gala not only reflected the bank’s legacy of innovation and excellence but also served as a tribute to the customers and partners who have journeyed with it over the past eight decades.
