Wema Bank Plc is celebrating the 9th anniversary of ALAT by Wema, Africa’s first fully digital bank, marking nine years of transforming how Nigerians experience banking.

Launched in 2017, ALAT by Wema was introduced as a bold response to the limitations of traditional banking, long queues, physical barriers, and slow processes. By eliminating these constraints, Wema Bank redefined banking as a fully digital, instant, and accessible experience, enabling customers to open accounts, transact, and manage their finances seamlessly from anywhere.

Over the past nine years, ALAT has evolved beyond convenience into a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to meet the changing needs of individuals, businesses, and a new generation of financially aware users. From enabling structured savings through features like ALAT Goals to simplifying payments and expanding access to financial services, the platform has consistently delivered solutions that empower users and drive financial inclusion at scale.

This journey of continuous innovation has positioned ALAT not just as a digital banking product, but as a platform that adapts, grows, and evolves alongside its users.

To commemorate this milestone, Wema Bank has launched the ALAT at 9 campaign, a series of customer-focused activities, rewards, and interactive experiences designed to celebrate users while deepening engagement.

As part of the anniversary celebration, customers can access their personalized ALAT Wrapped, offering a simple, visual summary of their journey on the platform, which can be downloaded and shared across social media.

Customers can also participate in the 9 Features in 9 Days experience by engaging with a designated feature each day. Completing all nine activities unlocks rewards, encouraging consistent and active use of the platform.

In addition, customers who complete their 9th transaction at exactly 9:00am or 9:00pm will receive instant rewards.

The celebration also features the ALAT Evolution Jingle Challenge, inviting customers to create and submit the second verse of the ALAT jingle for a chance to win rewards.

Speaking on the milestone celebration, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said;

“ALAT at 9 is not just a celebration of time. It is a reflection of how far we have come and a clear indication of where we are going. Over the years, we have continued to evolve with our customers, building a platform that is not only functional but also engaging and rewarding. This campaign is designed to give back to our users while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and customer experience.”

Also commenting, Chief Digital Officer of Wema Bank, Olusegun Adeniyi, noted that the anniversary campaign was designed to merge everyday banking with meaningful engagement.

“With ALAT at 9, we are transforming routine banking into an interactive experience. By combining personalized insights, gamified missions, and real rewards, we are creating a platform that responds to users in a more dynamic and rewarding way. This reflects our vision to build a digital bank that is intuitive, adaptive, and centered around the customer,” he said.

The anniversary activities will run from May 2 to May 31stwith customers encouraged to log into the ALAT app to participate, complete tasks, and unlock rewards.

Existing customers can access the experience by updating the ALAT app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and signing in with their existing details. New customers can download the app and get started in minutes to enjoy the full range of features and anniversary benefits.

With ALAT at 9, Wema Bank continues to reinforce its leadership in digital banking, delivering not just financial services, but a platform that continue to evolve with its users and rewards them at every stage of their journey.

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous national bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has simultaneously marked its 81st anniversary and the 9th anniversary of ALAT on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.

Adopting a different approach from its grand 80th anniversary celebration in 2025, Wema Bank is set to celebrate its 81st anniversary this year by giving back to its customers. The Bank’s anniversary celebration features rewards for customers on the ALAT App in celebration of ALAT at 9 as well as rewards for Wema Bank customers at the launch event for the 5th Season of the Bank’s 5 for 5 Reward Initiative, happening on the Bank’s anniversary day, May 2nd 2026.

In line with the Bank’s 81st anniversary theme, “Your Future of Possibilities, Powered by Wema Bank”, the Bank will also rollout a specialised customer success initiative dedicated to helping different demographics of its customers to map out and build the future of their dreams. From businesses to students, working class women, creatives and more, Wema Bank will provide tailored, practical and strategic insights and support that will help these unique demographics access better opportunities, receive useful support and make accelerated progress towards meeting their goals.

Commenting on the Bank’s motive behind its approach to celebrating its 81st anniversary, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, said, “The world is rapidly evolving. Digital evolution and emerging technologies continue to present newer opportunities and realities. To thrive, one must be prepared to adapt where needed and ready to leverage the possibilities ahead; and this is what we want to help our customers achieve. With millions of individuals and businesses in our care, we have a deep sense of responsibility towards helping them make meaningful progress and our 81st anniversary presents the perfect opportunity for us to deepen our efforts towards fulfilling that responsibility”.

“We are building a smarter and more secure financial future for our customers, one where banking is effortlessly aligned with their goals, intelligently anticipating their needs and proactively providing the right solutions. Beyond banking solutions, we are curating opportunities, providing platforms, building an entire ecosystem engineered in the best interests of every unique Wema Bank customer. Our goal is for our customers to grow as we grow, to always be one step ahead, and to make accelerated progress towards their future of possibilities as we journey with them”.

“To every stakeholder who has been a part of Wema Bank’s 81-year journey: our investors, regulators, partners, esteemed customers and dearest employees; this anniversary is dedicated to you, and this is why we have chosen to celebrate this way. On behalf of the entire board and management of Wema Bank, I say THANK YOU for 81 historic years. We have, we are, and we will be with you, all the way. Happy 81st Anniversary to us all”, Oseni concluded.

Wema Bank has established a proven track record of empowering lives, supporting businesses and providing tailored solutions that meet real needs. From financial support to digital solutions, unique opportunities and customised service, Wema Bank continues to show that it is a Bank that truly cares, understands and is committed to helping individuals and businesses thrive and achieve their goals.

For more information on how to tap into the rewards curated by Wema Bank, visit wemabank.com

The Okun Development Association (ODA), speaking for all sons and daughters of Okunland at home and in the diaspora, has warmly express appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of ODA, Dayo Thomas, the group said President Tinubu’s decision is a defining statement in recognition of meritocracy and a resounding vote of confidence in Okun technocrats. By elevating another distinguished Okun patriot to the federal cabinet, ODA said, “Mr. President has reaffirmed that Kogi West remains a wellspring of exceptional competence, unwavering loyalty, and tested character available for national service at the highest levels”

The appointment, the group registered, “strengthens our people’s faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda and in a Federal Government that recognizes competence wherever it is found.”

The statement further read: The ODA President General, Amb Akenson Rotimi, wishes to celebrate Ambassador Enikanolaiye, a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant whose career spanning over four decades reflects discipline, intellectual rigor, and the finest in diplomatic practice. According to the ODA President General, Amb Enikanolaiye is a true patriot, and a consistent promoter of Okun interest, balancing global assignments with tangible community development in his homeland.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye brings to the office, over four decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s foreign relations. He served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and represented Nigeria with distinction in several diplomatic missions, including Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi. Until this nomination, he served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, where his policy insight and institutional memory were invaluable to the machinery of governance.

ODA said it is convinced that the nomination aligns with President Tinubu’s drive to reinvigorate Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater output, strategic engagements, and stronger global presence adding, that Ambassador Enikanolaiye, a quintessential diplomat has protected Nigeria’s national interest with intellect, tact, and integrity across multiple administrations.

“We have complete confidence that Amb Enikanolaiye will advance Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements in regional stability, and safeguard the interest of Nigerians at home and abroad. At a time when global supply chains, security, and energy markets are facing challenges, his experience, and deep institutional knowledge are precisely what Nigeria needs” the statement reads in part.