The Managing Director of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, has said the bank’s goal is returning to Nigeria’s top tier of banking.

He stated this during the Gala Night in Lagos, celebrating the bank’s 80th anniversary under the theme, “Timeless Elegance.’’

Mr Oseni said, “We have a bold vision for Nigeria’s financial future. Our immediate aim is to reclaim our place at the industry’s forefront. We’ll keep innovating, using technology to offer financial services that empower Nigerians and Africans to succeed wherever they are.”

Mr Oseni expressed confidence in the bank’s future, anchored on creativity, innovation, and unwavering customer focus.

 He also stressed the bank’s commitment to nurturing future talent, while honouring the role of women in banking’s past and present.

Encouraging unity, Mr Oseni shared the bank’s internal identity: “At Wema, we call ourselves knights — skilled, ready to face challenges, and fulfil our God-given potential.”

 Earlier, Wema Bank Chairman, Dr Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, reflected on the institution’s long and storied history.

She said, “We celebrate God’s grace, foresight, resilience, hard work, and inclusivity — traditions we proudly uphold.’’

She recounted the bank’s founding in 1945 as Agbonmagbe Bank, Nigeria’s first indigenous bank during colonial rule.

“It was these values that gave our founder the courage to establish Agbonmagbe Bank under colonial rule. What a solid foundation,” she noted. 

Ms Olorunshola praised Wema Bank’s resilience through key moments in history, including war, economic booms, and global crises.

 She stated, “We welcomed information, explored new terrain, and embraced innovation fearlessly. We’re not just counting years — we’re celebrating seasons, generations, eras, and transformational milestones.’’ 

The event welcomed dignitaries such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Job Creation & MSME, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, and philanthropist, Kessington Adebutu. They applauded Wema Bank’s lasting contributions to Nigeria’s economic progress.

Mr Shettima noted that Wema Bank had “stood the test of time” and shaped the nation’s financial journey.

Mr Adebutu echoed this, praising the bank’s resilience and foresight from humble roots to major industry presence. 

(NAN)