…Set to reward 131 Nigerians in first monthly draw of 2025*

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, is set to reward 131 customers across Nigeria with N11,000,000 in cash prizes, in its first 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 monthly draw of the year happening in Warri, Delta State, on January 24, 2025.

Launched in 2021, the 5 for 5 Promo is a reward initiative introduced by Wema Bank to reward its diverse range of customers for active loyalty to the brand, its products, and offerings. The 5 for 5 Promo selects winners from the Bank’s pool of active and transacting customers, via thoroughly regulated electronic live draws. The first 3 seasons saw the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo disburse over N150,000,000 to 2,378 Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, and with the launch of Season 4 on October 1, 2024, Wema Bank raised the bar, setting aside a whopping N135,000,000 for disbursement this season alone.

So far, over 1,000 Nigerians have won cash prizes in daily, weekly and monthly draws, with 540 customers winning in 55 daily draws, 550 customers winning in 11 weekly draws and 262 customers winning in 2 monthly draws; totalling over N27,000,000 disbursed so far. The 3rd monthly draw of the season, which also happens to be the first monthly draw of 2025, is set to hold this January in Warri, and another 131 winners will emerge from the draw. Among these 131, 80 will each win N25,000, 40 will win N100,000 each, 8 domiciliary account holders will win N250,000 each and 3 lucky customers will win N1,000,000 each, with one of the millionaires guaranteed to be from Warri, since the draw holds in Warri.

Referring to the trailblazing monthly draw as a timely intervention for Nigerians in light of the new year, Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO Wema Bank, recounted the big picture for the Promo and the impact this draw will have on the lives of the customers who will be starting their year out with cash prizes to support their personal, professional or business endeavours. According to him, “The goal for us with the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo is giving back, providing support and rewarding our loyal customers, it’s been one of the key means through which we say ‘thank you’ as a Bank, and four years strong so far, it’s only gotten better with each season. We made millionaires in December ahead of Christmas and it was heartwarming to hear from our amazing customers how instrumental these rewards were in sorting out some bills. Now, we are even more ready to kickstart 2025 on a millionaire note”.

“As a tradition, the 5 for 5 Promo continues to tour different locations across the six geopolitical zones, however, our winners are always selected from across the country. So even though one of the millionaires will be from Warri where this draw will hold, there’s still room for 2 more millionaires and over 120 more winners of cash ranging from N25,000 to N250,000. The joy for us is in the smiles that are made, the stories that are positively impacted and the hope that these cash rewards bring to the winners; from students to small business owners, working professionals, and so on. We are all too familiar with the running ‘100 days of January’ reality that plagues a lot of us after the heavy spending that comes with December, so this draw is the perfect opportunity to support our customers beyond the daily and weekly draws that we hold every other weekday. I congratulate the winners in advance, and I encourage every new and existing Wema Bank customer to seize this opportunity and start transacting today. The 5 for 5 Promo is as transparent as can be, so anyone can win, provided they meet the minimum requirements”, Oseni concluded.

Olorunshola Damilola Esther, an Akure-based trader who was one of the millionaires from the 2nd monthly draw of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 which held in Akure on December 15, 2024, expressed immense gratitude to Wema Bank for the surprise win, encouraging Nigerians to keep transacting with their Wema Bank accounts for a chance to also receive surprise financial rewards in the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo.

To qualify, participate and stand a chance to win in the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4, customers of the Bank are required to fund their account with at least N5,000 monthly, maintain an average minimum balance of N5,000 and make up to 5 transactions using ALAT, *945# or their Wema/ALAT debit card.

New customers can participate by downloading the ALAT App from the Play Store or App Store, opening an account, and following the steps above to qualify.

–From Local to Global: How Nigeria’s Top Banks Are Expanding Worldwide

By Femi Oyewale

Nigeria’s banking sector remains a critical pillar of the country’s economy, with several financial institutions leading the charge in innovation, expansion, and customer service. As of  2024 records, five banks stand out as the largest in terms of assets, market influence, and strategic operations. This report delves into the reasons behind their dominance and what sets them apart.

Access Bank Plc – The Industry Giant

With total assets valued at approximately ₦36.57 trillion, Access Bank is Nigeria’s largest financial institution. The bank’s aggressive expansion strategy, both domestically and internationally, has played a crucial role in its growth. Access Bank operates in over 20 countries, enhancing its global reach.

Key Success Factors:

Strategic mergers and acquisitions (e.g., the merger with Diamond Bank in 2019).

A strong digital banking infrastructure.

Expansion into multiple markets across Africa and beyond.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) – The Pan-African Leader

UBA maintains a strong position with assets worth about ₦31.8 trillion. Known for its widespread presence across Africa, UBA has established itself as a pan-African banking powerhouse. The bank also has operations in the United States, the UK, and France.

Key Success Factors:

A strong international footprint with operations in 20 African countries.

A diversified range of banking products tailored for SMEs, corporate clients, and retail customers.

Heavy investment in fintech and digital banking solutions.

Zenith Bank Plc – The Financial Powerhouse

Zenith Bank ranks top among the financial gladiators with assets in the range of ₦30.4 trillion. It is widely recognized for its financial stability and customer-centric approach. Over the years, Zenith Bank has built a solid reputation for efficiency and trustworthiness.

Key Success Factors:

Strong corporate governance and risk management strategies.

A focus on technology-driven banking solutions.

A large and loyal customer base in both retail and corporate banking.

First Bank of Nigeria – The Industry Pioneer

Commitment, Innovation, and Growth: Key Takeaways from Adron Homes’ CEO Retreat

Adron Homes kicked off its highly anticipated National Retreat on January 12, 2025, with the theme “The CEO’s Retreat: Beyond and Above 2025.” This transformative event aimed at reinforcing strategic leadership, fostering innovation, and preparing executives for the company’s ambitious future goals.

The week-long retreat featured high-impact training sessions led by Adron Homes’ top executives and industry experts. Participants gained valuable insights to enhance their leadership skills, optimize performance, and drive sustainable growth.

Inspiring Leadership & Strategic Growth

Chairman/CEO Aare Adetola Emmanuelking set the stage with a powerful session on Transformational Leadership, Performance Optimization, and Human Capital Development. He emphasized the power of commitment, stating, “The greatest secret to performance is commitment.” His message encouraged directors and executives to embrace dedication as the key to success.

Vice Chairman/CEO Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking delivered a thought-provoking session on Frugality: Resource Efficiency for Individuals and Companies. She highlighted the importance of financial prudence, stressing that “Maximizing the value of money equates to maximizing the value of time.” Drawing from biblical principles, she reminded participants that “There is a bread and a seed in every fund at your disposal,” urging them to prioritize cost-effectiveness in decision-making.

Empowering Leaders for a Dynamic Future

Managing Director Adenike Ajobo led an engaging training on Empowering Leaders to Inspire, Motivate, and Manage Diverse Teams Beyond Uncertainties. Her session equipped executives with tools to navigate challenges, foster resilience, and drive innovation in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Additionally, Aminat Hasstrup, Director General of Customer Service, delivered a compelling presentation on Business Performance Assessment, Process Reengineering, and Industry Positioning. She underscored the importance of continuous improvement and strategic adaptability to maintain Adron Homes’ leadership in the real estate sector.

Shaping the Future of Adron Homes

The retreat set the tone for a new era of strategic leadership, reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. Participants left with actionable strategies to propel their teams toward achieving the company’s bold vision for 2025 and beyond.