The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Friday commended Wema Bank for its remarkable resilience, innovation, and commitment to inclusive economic development as the institution marked its 80th anniversary in Lagos.
Represented by the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the First Lady lauded the Bank’s leadership for its sustained contributions to nation-building, particularly through the empowerment of women, youth, and entrepreneurs.
In a statement released by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, Mrs. Tinubu praised Wema Bank for its ability to evolve over generations while maintaining its core mission. She said, “Few institutions survive across decades, but Wema Bank has proven that with purpose, innovation, and resilience, an institution can not only endure but lead.”
Highlighting the bank’s inclusive policies, she remarked, “Eighty years of uninterrupted operations in Nigeria’s dynamic economic environment is a major achievement. Beyond longevity, what distinguishes Wema Bank is its intentional focus on inclusion, equity, and empowerment—particularly for women.”
She emphasized the bank’s active efforts in bridging the gender gap in financial access. “With only 47% of Nigerian women having formal banking access compared to 58% of men, Wema Bank’s initiatives are both timely and transformative. You haven’t just offered services—you’ve built real pathways to empowerment.”
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim, speaking under the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirmed her commitment to economically empower 10 million Nigerian women by 2027 and position them as key contributors to Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target.
She praised Wema Bank for aligning with the National Gender Policy (2021–2026), which envisions a society where men and women have equal opportunities for development. “Wema Bank has shown what leadership looks like by turning gender equality from a goal into measurable action.”
One notable example of the partnership between the Ministry and Wema Bank, she said, is the MOWA–SARA Initiative (Social and Economic Advancement for Resilient African Women). This collaborative effort is providing vocational training, entrepreneurship support, digital inclusion, and resilience-building to over 500,000 women across Nigeria—many in underserved and conflict-affected communities.
“This initiative has been a game-changer. It’s proof of what’s possible when government policy meets private sector innovation. Through MOWA–SARA, countless women once excluded from economic life are now thriving as entrepreneurs, traders, and leaders,” she noted.
“As we celebrate your 80th anniversary tonight, know that we’re also celebrating every girl inspired to dream, every woman launching her business, and every family starting anew—because Wema Bank stood with them,” she said in conclusion.
Looking ahead, the First Lady encouraged Wema Bank to expand its impact, deepen partnerships, and continue removing the final barriers that hinder full female participation in Nigeria’s economic future.
ADEOLA KUNLE
