Business
Wema Bank Celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 …Hosts HeForShe Awards, Big Sister Programme Graduation, and More
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s leading innovator and creator of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, celebrated International Women’s Day 2025 with a grand event on March 11 at its Lagos Head Office.

(L-R) Lead, Deal Matchmaking at Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), Tochi Ginigeme; MD/CEO of Wema Bank PLC, Moruf Oseni; Chairman, Board of Directors, Wema Bank PLC, Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola; Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Nneka Okekearu; and CEO of Hervest, Solape Akinpelu, at the Wema Bank International Women’s Day event in Lagos today.
The Wema Bank International Women’s Day 2025 Event convened iconic women from diverse fields and industries to dissect the topic “Harnessing Innovation & Technology To Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women”. Deriving from the global IWD 2025 theme “Accelerate Action”, the Wema Bank International Women’s Day 2025 event highlighted the need for implementing an innovative approach to promoting financial inclusion for all women and forging long term sustainability for women empowerment.
Among the major highlights of the Wema Bank International Women’s Day 2025 event were the Women Network’s graduation ceremony of the Big Sister Programme Cohort 2; special performances across music and poetry; the HeForShe 2025 Awards where outstanding male employees of Wema Bank who have made outstanding strides in accelerating action towards women empowerment, were awarded to encourage more men to become pro-women; and a panel session featuring distinguished women who have been instrumental in accelerating action for women empowerment.
Moderated by Media Personality and TV Presenter, Olive Emodi, the session featured three panelists including Dr. Nneka Okekearu, the Director of the Entreprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, Solape Akinpelu, CEO of Harvest and Tochi Ginigeme, Lead Deal Matchmaking at Impact Investors Foundation; all of whom provided invaluable insights and visionary contributions to the perceptive discussion on addressing roadblocks and leveraging innovation for women empowerment.
This grand event panned out excellently, receiving commendation from women across Nigeria.Attesting to Wema Bank’s commitment to women empowerment Chairman, Dr. Mrs. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, the Chairman of Wema Bank, highlighted the Bank’s role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards the global advancement of gender equality. According to her, ““The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”, and as the first female Chairman of Wema Bank, my career is a testament to the impact that can be generated and the change that can be achieved, when individuals and corporations take decisive steps to accelerate action for women empowerment.
The goal of the 5th Sustainable Development Goal, ‘Gender Equality’, is to build a world where woman can thrive without discrimination and oppression, and we must all do the work to contribute to the achievement of this goal”.
Emphasising the deep-rooted nature of Wema Bank’s commitment to empowerment, Mr. Moruf Oseni (FCIB), Wema Bank’s MD/CEO commented, “This mission of empowering lives is one that is deeply rooted in our identity as Wema Bank. From inception in 1945 to present, we have carried on the mission of empowering our people. A lot has changed in the last 8 decades but one thing that has remained constant is our commitment to inclusion, empowerment and support for women.
As a Bank, we recognise the gender equality gap that exists globally, and we understand the need for a tailored approach to addressing this challenge. This is why we launched our women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, in 2019, and why we continue to take intentional steps towards empowering women”.
“Since the launch of SARA, we have banked over 400,000 unbanked women, disbursed over N75 billion in low-interest loans and over $20,000 in grants, created over 900 jobs for women, provided market access for 3,000 women, connecting them with over 135,000 customers and generating over $4 million in sales; and these are just to mention a few. Why have we been so intentional in the gender space? Because “Accelerating Action”, for us at Wema Bank, is beyond lip service.
We walk the talk when it comes to women empowerment and today, we are gathered here to not only celebrate the exceptional impact we have made in empowering women for 8 decades, but more importantly, raising the right conversations and driving the right actions as we look ahead to a future of much greater possibilities. Wema Bank has supported women since 1945 and we celebrate our 80 years anniversary come May 2nd, 2025, we are more driven than ever to continue empowering women and building a future where women thrive, where equity is the norm, and where equality and empowerment are not just ideals but realities”.
Wema Bank has proven itself to be a gender inclusion and equality driven organisation, going above and beyond to empower women from all walks of life to thrive, and contributing to the advancement of the global movement for gender equality.
As Wema Bank counts down to 80 years, the world joins in to celebrate Nigeria’s oldest indigenous and most resilient bank, pioneering innovative impact in the African banking industry since 1945 and beyond 2025.
Business
Chris Kolade Leadership Award Loading As KMEN Sets for MegaSummit 2026
Kingdom Men Global Network aka KMEN has formally announced the programmes of the 13th edition of its flagship annual gathering for men, Mega Summit.
This year’s event will open on Thursday May 14 and end on Sunday May 17 with an all-men musical concert.
The 2026 edition of Mega Summit which will hold at the Presken Hotels on Alade Avenue opposite Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos has as theme: Legacy…Faith. Family. Community. And for the first time Mega Summit will host an award on the opening day in memory of foremost Nigerian diplomat and integrity personified and pioneer Chairman of the Board of Trustee of KMEN, late Dr Christopher Kolade who died last year at the age of 92.
The KMEN-Christopher Kolade – Men in Leadership Award for Courageous Manhood will be heralded by the Men in Leadership Summit (MiLEADS) with the sub-theme – Building a Culture of Leadership with Integrity. And will have as speakers Archbishop John Osa-Oni of Vineyard Christian Ministries., Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Citadel Global Community Church, and renowned Pharmacist, entrepreneur and politician Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, OFR.

Pastor Tunde Bakare
Day two will feature another special session for Men in Church Leadership (MiCLEADS) with the sub-theme: Leaving a Legacy of Faith/Discipling for the Next Generation, and will have as speakers Bishop Sunday Onadipe, Bishop, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Badagry, Apostle Eyinnaya Okwuonu, former Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Chapter., Pastor Dominion Roberts from Liberia, and Rev Fr Matthew Ogunyase of the Catholic Mission, Lagos.
While day three will open with a Special Town Hall discussion on Family with the sub-theme – The Father’s Role in Shaping Legacy and is the only mixed gender panel for Mega Summit 2026 featuring foremost life change coach, Mrs. Yemisi Lagunju and Rev David Abraham, who is the managing director of Managing Business for Christ (MBFC).
On Saturday is a Special Town Hall on Resisting an Emerging Legacy of Addictions. This segment will feature a presentation by Dr Dokun Adedeji on the ravage of Drug Addictions, alongside Abiose Akolade Ladipo, Co-Founder of GamblePause, a Lagos-based NGO in the fight against Gambling Addictions.
Later in the afternoon on Saturday is a second Town Hall session on Business and Economy with the sub-theme: Building Sustainable/Generational Businesses, and will feature notable panelists like Rev Professor Biodun Adedipe Founder of BA and Associates, and Rev Dr Abba Peter, Managing Director of Best Practices Limited, among others.Other Town Hall segments at Mega Summit 2026 include that on Politics/Governance with the sub-theme: Swimming Against the Tide – National Transformation through Service, and another Town Hall on Media featuring Mr. Mustapha Isah Osikhekha, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Omoba Deji Irawo and others as they navigate best way to Reclaim the Narrative: Legacy in Digital Spaces.
An extra-ordinary edition, the 13th edition of Mega Summit will also have segments designed to equip leaders in men’s ministry through the instrument of KMEN’s School of Men’s Ministry/ISI Training. Each day of Mega Summit 2026 is divided into three segments – morning starting at 9 am, afternoon session and evening climaxing with an impartation service.KMEN is an uncompromisingly Bible-based, independent ministry to men. Established nearly two decades ago, the ministry’s objective is to assist men, irrespective of their church affiliations, in their Christian Walk, that they may become better sons, brothers, husbands, fathers and leaders.
Business
Ikeja Electric Explains Epileptic Power Supply
The Ikeja Electric Plc has given reasons for the ongoing power outages experienced by cudtomers, attributing the situation to reduced electricity allocation from the national grid.
In a statement posted on its X handle at , the company apologized for the disruption, noting that some parts of its network were experiencing supply constraints due to reduced power allocation from the grid.
It added that, to manage the shortfall and maintain grid stability, it had introduced temporary load shedding across affected feeders.
The Ikeja Electricity company said as part of efforts to maintain grid stability and ensure equitable distribution of available power, temporary load shedding is being implemented across affected feeders and locations. The company said it was working with relevant stakeholders to improve supply and minimise the impact on customers.
The latest notice follows months of unstable electricity supply in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, driven largely by a drop in generation linked to gas shortages.
Business
ALAT at 9: Wema Bank Celebrates Nine Years of Redefining Digital Banking in Nigeria
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.
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