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.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has no plans to extend the sales of expression of interest and nomination forms to aspirants in the 2027 general elections.

The National Chairman of the party, Prof. Nantewe Yilwatda, made this known while briefing journalists in Abuja.

Yilwatda said that the party was working in line with the schedule of the sales activities and time.

“The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) will decide at its meeting if there will be any room for extension.

“There is a timeline for activities and if there will be any extension we will follow due process.

“There is presently no extension for the sales of the forms,” he said.

He applauded the smooth sale process, noting that it indicated a seamless primary election and victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.

“The APC remains one of the most democratic political parties in the country which provides level playing ground to all its members.

“Someone has even picked a form to contest the presidency and this shows the level of democracy we have in Nigeria.

“The number of people coming to contest in our party tells us that it is the most acceptable in Nigeria.

“There is currently no challenge in the sale of forms as the banks had been doing the needful with party staff overseeing the clearance.

“The department in charge of receipts is up to its duties and are monitoring the social media to ascertain if people are complaining,” he said.

Recall that the party fixed the sales of forms from April 25 to May 2.