As Wema Bank celebrates 80 years of continuous service in Nigeria’s financial sector, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has commended the institution for its enduring presence and commitment to inclusive economic development.
Speaking through the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at the bank’s anniversary event in Lagos, the First Lady recognized Wema Bank’s vital contributions to empowering women, youth, and entrepreneurs—key pillars of national development.
According to a statement from the Minister’s media aide, Mr. Jonathan Eze, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that few organizations manage to maintain relevance across decades, let alone thrive. “Sustaining operations for eight decades in Nigeria’s ever-changing economic landscape is a remarkable feat,” she noted. “What truly distinguishes Wema Bank is not just its longevity, but its intentional focus on inclusion, gender equity, and empowerment.”
Highlighting the gender gap in Nigeria’s financial inclusion, the First Lady acknowledged the bank’s efforts to bridge the divide. “With only 47% of Nigerian women formally accessing banking services, compared to 58% of men, Wema Bank’s initiatives to close this gap are both necessary and transformative,” she said.
Reaffirming her ministry’s commitment to economically empower at least 10 million women by 2027 under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Sulaiman-Ibrahim called for continued public-private collaboration. She praised Wema Bank for aligning its mission with the National Gender Policy (2021–2026), which aims to ensure equal economic participation for all Nigerians.
One standout example of this partnership is the MOWA–SARA Initiative (Social and Economic Advancement for Resilient African Women). This joint project between the Ministry and Wema Bank is already delivering significant results—offering vocational training, entrepreneurial support, digital tools, and resilience programs to over 500,000 women nationwide, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
“This program has transformed lives,” the Minister declared. “It has opened doors for women once excluded from the economy—giving rise to entrepreneurs, digital service providers, and leaders in communities that were previously underserved.”
In closing, she emphasized that Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary was more than just a corporate milestone. “Tonight, we honor every woman who dared to dream, every new business that took flight, and every family that gained stability—because Wema Bank chose to make a difference.”
She urged the bank to scale up its impact in the coming years: “As you enter your next chapter, let’s deepen our partnership. Let’s build even more opportunities, and together, remove the remaining obstacles to full economic participation for women across Nigeria.”
