By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde
Wema Bank is set to mark a major milestone, 80 years of operation, with a grand celebration in Lagos on May 2nd, 2025.
As Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, Wema Bank has a rich history dating back to its founding on May 2, 1945, by Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, his wife Regina, and Reverend Alade.
The bank’s humble beginnings in a small room at Agbonmagbe Lodge in Yaba, Lagos, have transformed it into a pioneering force in Nigeria’s financial sector. Wema Bank has been at the forefront of innovation, including the launch of ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank. Throughout its eight decades, the bank has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, consistently championing financial inclusion and providing comprehensive services to underserved populations.
Wema Bank’s contributions to the FinTech scene have been significant, not only with the launch of ALAT but also by providing a secure platform for other FinTechs to thrive. As the bank approaches its 80th anniversary, anticipation is building for the celebration, which promises to be an amazing event, uniting generations of Nigerians. While details are still not out, insiders hint at an unforgettable evening filled with reflection, celebration, and elegance, all under the theme of timeless sophistication.
