On May 2nd, 2025, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative, and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, showed Nigeria and the entire financial sector what it truly means to celebrate legacy with purpose.
The event, themed Timeless Elegance, was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites. The bank’s 80th-anniversary celebration was more than a gala; it was a finely curated brand experience that blended history, glamour, music, storytelling, and strategic vision into one unforgettable night. With every segment choreographed to perfection, the evening was a strong statement of who Wema Bank is, where it’s coming from, and where it’s boldly headed.
Here are ten standout moments that made this a night for the history books:
1. A Beauty in Experiential Setup and Show Production
Guests knew they were about to witness something extraordinary when they stepped onto the purple carpet. The visual storytelling was impeccable – stunning historical arrangements that took guests from ‘Agbonmagbe Bank’ (the bank’s original name) and through the years to a futuristic Wema Bank. Guests who didn’t previously understand the bank’s history were immediately immersed in it with halls of fame, caricature buildings, and a stage setup that looked like it belonged in an awards show. The spatial design created a sense of elegance and pride, turning Eko Hotel’s convention center into a canvas that reflected the very soul of Wema Bank. It was immersive, intentional, and visually breathtaking, a setup that elevates a celebration.
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2. Sounds of ALAT Winners Bring Youthful Energy
Kareem, King Breezy, and Kesty, the emerging stars from Wema’s 2023 Sounds of ALAT competition, opened the night with impressive performances. They sang original tracks and their winning songs from the sounds of ALAT competition. The finalists later came together for a heartfelt birthday tribute to the bank, alongside Cobhams Asuquo who played on the grand piano. It was a powerful reminder of how Wema Bank invests in the next generation of banking, creativity, and culture.
3. Yinka Davies’ National Anthem Rendition
With unmatched grace and vocal mastery, Yinka Davies performed the Nigerian National Anthem in a way that grounded the event in patriotism and pride. Her delivery was both ceremonial and soulful. It was a reminder that even in celebration, Wema Bank honors its national roots and identity, especially as the nation’s first indigenous bank.
4. Hosting Done Right
The event’s hosts – veteran actor Chief Femi Branch and popular media personality Olive Emodi, struck the perfect balance of charm and control. Their chemistry, humor, and professionalism ensured that the evening flowed seamlessly, without a dull moment or misstep in the program.
5. 8 Million-Naira Surprise That Delighted Customers
What’s a celebration without giving back? A significant high point in the event came when eight customers each won ₦1 million. The hosts also announced that 80 more customers would receive ₦80,000. It wasn’t just good PR; it was a powerful way to say thank you and share the spotlight with the people who made Wema’s journey possible.
6. A Chairman’s Speech Anchored in Legacy
In her welcome address, Chairman Dr. Oluwayemi Oluwanishola offered more than pleasantries – she gave perspective. “Wema Bank’s journey to me is an enigma,” she said. “What gave the founder, Late Chief Okupe, the confidence to establish Agbonmagbe Bank right under colonial rule?” Her reflections on the founder’s audacity and the bank’s deep-rooted mission captured the spirit of the night in full. She also set the tone for why the event was essential to celebrate the bank’s past 8 decades.
7. Iconic Performances That Lit Up the Stage
The musical lineup read like a greatest-hits anthology of Nigerian pop culture. Wande Coal delivered a nostalgic medley. 9ice brought his street credibility. Ayuba’s live band lit up the room with high-energy Fuji. And Davido closed the night with his signature swagger, bringing the house down. Away from the heavyweight pop-culture stars, we had moments of reflection with spoken words from Kehinde Adolo and IBQuake. These were sonic celebrations of Wema’s multigenerational appeal.
8. CEO Moruf Oseni’s Visionary Speech
In his address, Moruf Oseni didn’t just thank guests; he projected the future. His words painted a clear picture of a bold, tech-driven Wema Bank that is anchored in customer-first innovation. The short mini-documentary that followed offered glimpses into the bank’s transformation, reinforcing the night’s message: Wema is just getting started. He thanked every segment of Wema’s stakeholders, from the customers, shareholders, partners, regulatory bodies, governmental partners, and knights (staff).
9. A Symbolic Coffee Table Book Launch and Documentary Sneak Peek That Highlight Wema’s History From Birth to Now
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came when Wema Bank launched its commemorative coffee table book. Flanked by past and present MDs, Chairmen, executive and non-executive directors, and Board members, the unveiling was a tribute to history, leadership, and enduring purpose. It was a reminder that institutions don’t thrive by chance; they do so by design, memory, and storytelling.
10. A Masterclass in Stakeholder Engagement
From pop-culture royalty to national figures, Wema Bank drew a crowd that reflected its wide-reaching relevance. Political dignitaries such as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and the First Lady of Nigeria (represented by Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim) all delivered goodwill messages. Industry titans like Chief Michael Adeojo, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, and Chief Sir Kessington Adebutu joined them.
The crowd was also just star-studded with guests like Deyemi Okanlawon, Iyanya, Juliana Oloyede, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Teddy A, Folagade Banks (Mama Deola), Jay On-Air, Kaffy, and Stan Nze. Wema didn’t just celebrate with guests; it reinforced its position as a trusted partner across government, business, and culture.
In every way that mattered, Wema Bank’s 80th celebration was a living expression of its values: thoughtful, future-forward, people-centric, and proudly Nigerian. Timeless Elegance described the look and feel of the event and the legacy. And as the curtains fell to the beat of Davido’s final notes and DJ Sose’s afterparty rhythms, one thing was unquestionable: Wema was not only looking back in gratitude but marching forward in power.
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