Bank
Wema Bank Donates Brand-New Car to Winner of Outstanding MSME Clinic of the Year at National MSME Awards 202
Wema Bank Donates Brand-New Car to Winner of Outstanding MSME Clinic of the Year at National MSME Awards 202
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, donated a brand-new car to Desoor Bags, the winner of the Outstanding MSME Clinic award—female category, at the National MSME Awards Night 2024. This Award Ceremony was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday 27th June 2024, to commemorate World MSME Day.
The International MSMEs Day and MSME Awards Night 2024 is a twofold event organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Office of the Vice President, to celebrate the successes in the Nigerian MSME Sector and develop sustainable solutions for the continuous growth and development of the sector, to ultimately boost the Nigerian economy. The first part of the event convened top reputable institutions and entities including Wema Bank, to brainstorm and proffer sustainable financial solutions to not only provide affordable loans and funding for MSMEs, but to also ensure that these financial solutions are easily accessible and available to MSMEs. The concluding part of the Event was the National MSME Awards 2024; the sixth edition of the annual celebration.
The Award Ceremony celebrated top performing MSMEs across various categories from different parts of the country, awarding them with gifts and cash prizes in show of support and in advancement of their businesses. Wema Bank, reputed for its positive impact across various areas including MSMEs and Women, not only contributed immensely to the solutions garnered in the daytime event but also sealed its commemoration of World MSME Day 2024 at the National MSME Awards 2024 by gifting a car to Desoor Bags, the winner of the Outstanding MSME Clinic award (female category). This remarkable gesture simultaneously reinforced the Bank’s role as an enabler for MSMEs and its reputation for championing women empowerment and promoting gender inclusion in Nigeria.
Presenting the award and car gift in representation of Moruf Oseni, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, the Bank’s Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business, highlighted the impact of the World MSME Day 2024 events, emphasising the need to provide tailored support for MSMEs and advocating for a seamless synergy of capacity development, financial and material empowerment, collaboration, as well as leveraging technology and digital, to build a supportive ecosystem for MSMEs to thrive. “First, I would like to congratulate Adesola, the Outstanding MSME Clinic Award winner in the female category of the 6th National MSME Awards. It should come as no surprise that we choose to reward a woman today, as Wema Bank has always demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering women and provided tailored solutions for them to thrive in their personal and professional endeavours. We continue to do it through our women-focused proposition, SARA, and today, we have chosen to support this outstanding woman-owned business with a car to reduce stress and increase efficiency for her as she continues to grow her business”.
“As we commemorate World MSME Day today, it is important that we set our sights forward on the future of MSMEs in Nigeria. This is why the conversations we’ve had today are very important and Wema Bank is more than glad to be part of it. As the Bank that is committed to empowering lives through innovation, we are dedicated to not only providing innovative solutions and resources for customers to thrive but also empowering them to make the most of these solutions we provide. Technology and digital are the future, and intelligence is here to stay so beyond providing financial resources for MSMEs, we are also focusing on empowering them with digital skills to ensure they are not left behind in this digital evolution. The goal is digital empowerment for scale. To maximise our impact, we will continue to innovate and collaborate to drive capacity development, financial and material empowerment, as well as technology and digital empowerment for MSMEs, to build an enabling environment for these MSMEs to thrive”.
Expressing irrepressible gratitude to Wema Bank for the remarkable show of support, Adesola Adedoyin, CEO Desoor Bags and Winner of Outstanding MSME Clinic Award (Female category) at the National MSME Awards 2024, added, “I cannot find the words to express how I feel right now. My business has been recognised on such a huge platform and on top of that, I am going home with N2,000,000 and a brand-new car, it feels so unreal. Thank you, Wema Bank, for supporting me and my business with this car. I can now transport myself and the resources Desoor Bags needs without struggling to ‘jump bus’ multiple times when I can fit it all in the car at once. I am beyond grateful. Thank you to the Federal Government for the opportunity and thank you, Wema Bank for all you do”.
In its authority as Nigeria’s most innovative bank, Wema Bank continues to prove its mettle not just as an enabler for MSMEs but also as the partner of choice for all. With the Bank’s diverse range of tailored solutions and its success in already providing single-digit loans for female MSMEs, among others, Wema Bank continues to push boundaries for the best and redefine standards in the banking and financial services industry.
FirstBank Introduces Exclusive 500-Seater Bleacher at Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025
Lagos, 26 December 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025, unveiling a landmark addition set to redefine the carnival experience — the first-ever private premium seating area at the event.
The highlight of FirstBank’s participation is the construction of a 500-seater premium bleacher, designed to provide comfort, safety, and an elevated viewing experience for carnival enthusiasts.
Speaking on the sponsorship, the Acting Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, noted that the carnival aligns with the Bank’s First@Arts initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria. He said, “We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, we have supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection and cultural exchange. Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through First@Arts.”
“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” Ijabiyi added.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, also commented on FirstBank’s sponsorship. “FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global appeal,” he said.
The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. Okhma Global Limited has partnered with the Cross River State government in delivering Carnival Calabar & Festival for over ten years, playing a key role in strengthening the carnival’s commercial growth and global visibility.
Alpha Morgan Bank Backs Cultural Preservation at the 2025 Iganmode Festival
Alpha Morgan Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation and community development as one of the major sponsors of the recently concluded Iganmode Cultural Festival (Odun Omo Iganmode) held in Sango-Ota, Ogun State.
The annual festival, a landmark cultural celebration in the ancient town of Ota, showcased the rich heritage, history, and identity of the Awori people. The event came alive with vibrant displays of traditional music, dance, colourful regalia, and performances that reflected the deep-rooted customs and values of the community.
Alpha Morgan Bank’s sponsorship followed closely on the heels of the recent launch of its Sango-Ota branch, further underscoring the Bank’s dedication to supporting local initiatives, promoting indigenous culture, and fostering sustainable community development in Ota and its environs.
The ceremony attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and the Olota of Ota, His Majesty, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege, alongside several other traditional rulers and members of royal households from across the state. Their presence highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the festival to Ogun State and the wider Yoruba nation.
Alpha Morgan Bank’s participation as a major sponsor reflects its broader corporate vision of strengthening community values and supporting initiatives that promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The Bank joined thousands of attendees in celebrating a festival that continues to serve as a symbol of unity, pride, and cultural continuity for the people of Ota.
The 2025 edition of the Iganmode Festival was widely acclaimed as a success, leaving guests and participants with lasting impressions of a colourful, well-coordinated celebration that honoured tradition while fostering communal harmony.
*12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards: Celebrating the Season the Wema Way*
December is a season built on gratitude, reflection, and giving. It is a time when small gestures carry deeper meaning and everyday moments turn into shared joy. At Wema Bank, this spirit of the season has inspired the launch of 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards, a festive campaign created to celebrate customers who continue to make the Bank part of their daily lives.
Running from December 14 to December 25, 2025, the campaign is designed to reward simple, everyday banking while spreading cheer across homes and communities. For twelve days, 33 customers will be rewarded daily with five thousand naira each when they fund their accounts with five thousand naira.
The idea behind the campaign is simple in action but thoughtful in intent. It recognises that during the festive period, every extra support counts. Whether it is preparing for family gatherings, running errands, or planning end-of-year activities, Wema Bank is turning routine transactions into moments of delight.
To take part in the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards, customers only need to fund their accounts with five thousand naira through any of the following channels:
ALAT app
*945#
Debit cards
Once the account is funded with five thousand naira, they get an additional five thousand naira as a reward.
Beyond the rewards, the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards reflects Wema Bank’s broader commitment to customer-centric banking. It reinforces the Bank’s focus on creating experiences that go beyond transactions, especially during moments that matter most to customers.
As the year draws to a close, Wema Bank is inviting customers to enjoy the festive season knowing that their loyalty is valued and celebrated. With every transaction, the Bank continues to find new ways to connect, appreciate, and give back during a season defined by generosity.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society5 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
Business6 months agoBatsumi Travel CEO Lisa Sebogodi Wins Prestigious Africa Travel 100 Women Award
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING