Fidelity Bank Plc Promotes 11% of Staff Following Record Financial Performance

Wema Bank PLC (Bloomberg: WemaBank: NL) (“Wema” or “the Bank”) announces the allotment of its N40billion Rights issue programme.

-Raises N40billion through a Rights Issuance process.
-Part of its larger 2-year; N150billion Capital programme.
Rights fully subscribed.
-Expected to Commence concluding tranche of additional Capital in Q4, 2024.
-Corporate Ratings affirmed by Fitch at BBB & Upgraded by Agusto to BBB+

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has successfully concluded the first tranche of its recapitalisation exercise having secured all relevant regulatory approvals for the allotment of its N40bn Rights Issue which was initiated in December 2023.

In view of macroeconomic conditions, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in March 2024, launched a recapitalisation programme requiring commercial banks to raise fresh capital in alignment with the minimum requirement for their respective banking licenses, within a 24-month timeline spanning April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026. The goal of this recapitalisation programme is to simultaneously boost the Nigerian economy and strengthen the Nigerian financial services industry.

As a forward-thinking and pioneering bank, Wema Bank in December 2023 launched a N40bn Rights issue which has now been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). With this remarkable development, Wema Bank has now successfully raised the 1st tranche of its plan in the minimum requirement laid down by the CBN.

In a statement made to the public by the Bank, Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, iterated the Bank’s resolve in retaining its Commercial Banking license with National Authorisation, adding that the N40bn Rights Issue is a step in that direction. “We are delighted to announce the conclusion of the 1st tranche of our Capital Raise Programme, after obtaining the relevant approvals of all regulatory authorities. Our move to commence our Capital Raise Programme very early demonstrates our push for excellence and with a strong emphasis on our digital play, we are set to amass more successes in the coming months.”

“We were impressed by the vote of confidence given by our shareholders during the 1st Rights Issue exercise as our shares were fully subscribed. In addition, we obtained the approval of shareholders at our 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) to raise an additional N150billion to meet the capitalisation threshold set by the CBN. The process is expected to be completed within 12-18 months. We are committed to providing optimum returns for every stakeholder and the successful conclusion of this N40bn Rights Issue is a bold step in the right direction.”

In addition to the upward trend in the Bank’s financial performance and the success recorded so far in its recapitalisation exercise, Wema Bank’s corporate rating was recently upgraded to BBB+ by Pan African credit rating agency, Agusto and Co, and retained at BBB by international rating agency, Fitch. Over the medium to long term, Wema Bank is positioned to not only dominate the digital Banking space but also the Nigerian financial services industry at large as it translates its industry leadership to significant market share.

Wema Bank is a leading financial services entity with banking operations across Nigeria, its leadership position in the digital banking space speaks to its aspirations to liberate Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs by making digital platforms widely available.

Nkiru Olumide-Ojo’s New Book ‘Marketplace Readiness’ to Equip Young Nigerians for Marketplace Success

In a bold step to enforce and ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for everyone under the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4) in Nigeria, Corporate Executive and Founder of the LightHouse Network, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, launched her new book titled “Step Forward: Market Place Readiness.”

The book launch took place at the Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Event Center, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

According to the National Planning Commission, Nigeria faces a significant challenge with approximately 53% of its youth currently unemployed. To address this pressing issue, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo dedicated her efforts to preparing young people for the job market, equipping them with the necessary skills to seize available opportunities or even create new ones.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Lagos State Coordinator, stated that “the marketplace today is dynamic, competitive, and full of opportunities; however, it also provides numerous challenges that businesses must be ready to face. Market readiness involves understanding these challenges, adapting to changes, and strategically positioning oneself to capitalize on opportunities as they arise.” She further noted that “in the last 13 years, NYSC has sensitized three million, three hundred six thousand, six hundred and forty-six corps members, opening their eyes to entrepreneurship development.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder of Ruff and Tumble, addressed both the corps members present and guests who are already in the workplace. She emphasized, “Be intentional about building your mindset. Stand your ground based on three things: building your character, understanding what you value, and what your values are as a human being, and building your competence.”

The event was remarkable, featuring discussions on marketplace readiness across two generations, including thought leaders, educators, and advocates for sustainable development. Attendees benefited from insightful panel sessions featuring distinguished speakers, engaging conversations, and networking opportunities with individuals passionate about education and sustainable growth.

Leading the panel session were Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder of Ruff and Tumble; Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC); Mr. Victor Banjo, Director of Executive Education at Lagos Business School; Joseph Onaolapo (Jay On Air), a renowned radio and TV broadcaster, content creator, actor, and event host; and Tobiloba Aboaba, a dynamic young professional at Stanbic IBTC, among others.

The book, “Step Forward: Market Place Readiness,” is a product of Nkiru and her team’s extensive work in underserved tertiary institutions, providing essential market readiness skills to students. This book aims to broaden their reach and impact, offering valuable insights and practical advice to a wider audience. It delves into situations and issues that undergraduates face in their everyday lives, preparing them for the challenges of the marketplace.