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Development Bank to Hold Fifth Annual Lecture Series …   

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The Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) has announced that it will hold the Fifth edition of its Annual DBN Lecture Series on the 25th of September 2024, in Abuja at the Transcorp Hotel. The lecture is a further affirmation of the Bank’s unwavering commitment to the needs and challenges of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

The theme for this year’s lecture is, ‘Empowering Nigerian MSMEs in a Challenging Global Landscape” It has the Managing Director/CEO, of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,  as the Keynote Speaker.

A panel of eminent industry and business leaders with rich backgrounds drawn from across key sectors of the economy have been invited to also share their wealth of experience and perspectives on the theme. They include the Managing Director/CEO of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Abubakar Aliyu; Managing Director, Founder Institute and Venture Partner at White Hibiscus Capital, Ajuma Ataguba; Chairman/CEO of Nord Automobiles Limited, Joshua Oluwatobi Ajayi; and CEO, Futuresoft, Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho.

Speaking on the importance of the lecture theme, DBN’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr Tony Okpanachi, said although MSMEs are the backbone of the Nigerian economy and major contributors to job creation and economic growth, local, regional and global challenges pose significant threats to their survival and prosperity.

He said the lecture would serve as a veritable platform for experts, leaders of businesses from across industries and sectors, as well as stakeholders to discuss the myriad of challenges faced by the MSMEs to channel a way forward for them.   

“Access to affordable financing is a major hurdle for MSMEs as traditional loan options are often out of reach due to stringent obstacles.  This is further exacerbated by disruptions in the global supply chain, causing delays and price fluctuations in raw materials and finished goods, impacting MSMEs’ production and profitability,” he noted.

Dr Okpanachi explained that the MSME sector, like other sectors of the economy, is also trying to adjust to the macroeconomic challenges currently being experienced in the country. He added, however, that the Federal Government is committed to addressing the issues and has rolled out many interventions that would help stimulate further growth of the MSMEs in the country. 

According to him, the DBN Annual Lecture Series is also one of the many initiatives being deployed by the Bank to support the current administration’s efforts. He emphasised the need for all hands to be on deck to move the Nigerian economy into prosperity and abundance for all. 

Dr Okpanachi further expressed his confidence that this year’s lecture would serve as a platform to think out of the box and explore creative ways of enabling the real sector to boost productivity. “This year’s lecture series like others before promises to be very engaging and rewarding to all stakeholders. Consequently, I am extending our warm invitation to all stakeholders in government, development partners, the private sector and the MSMEs to be part of the event.

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Banking and Finance

ALAT at 9: Wema Bank Celebrates Nine Years of Redefining Digital Banking in Nigeria

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Wema Bank Plc is celebrating the 9th anniversary of ALAT by Wema, Africa’s first fully digital bank, marking nine years of transforming how Nigerians experience banking.Launched in 2017, ALAT by Wema was introduced as a bold response to the limitations of traditional banking, long queues, physical barriers, and slow processes. By eliminating these constraints, Wema Bank redefined banking as a fully digital, instant, and accessible experience, enabling customers to open accounts, transact, and manage their finances seamlessly from anywhere.Over the past nine years, ALAT has evolved beyond convenience into a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to meet the changing needs of individuals, businesses, and a new generation of financially aware users. From enabling structured savings through features like ALAT Goals to simplifying payments and expanding access to financial services, the platform has consistently delivered solutions that empower users and drive financial inclusion at scale.This journey of continuous innovation has positioned ALAT not just as a digital banking product, but as a platform that adapts, grows, and evolves alongside its users.To commemorate this milestone, Wema Bank has launched the ALAT at 9 campaign, a series of customer-focused activities, rewards, and interactive experiences designed to celebrate users while deepening engagement.As part of the anniversary celebration, customers can access their personalized ALAT Wrapped, offering a simple, visual summary of their journey on the platform, which can be downloaded and shared across social media.Customers can also participate in the 9 Features in 9 Days experience by engaging with a designated feature each day. Completing all nine activities unlocks rewards, encouraging consistent and active use of the platform.In addition, customers who complete their 9th transaction at exactly 9:00am or 9:00pm will receive instant rewards.The celebration also features the ALAT Evolution Jingle Challenge, inviting customers to create and submit the second verse of the ALAT jingle for a chance to win rewards.Speaking on the milestone celebration, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said;“ALAT at 9 is not just a celebration of time. It is a reflection of how far we have come and a clear indication of where we are going. Over the years, we have continued to evolve with our customers, building a platform that is not only functional but also engaging and rewarding. This campaign is designed to give back to our users while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and customer experience.”Also commenting, Chief Digital Officer of Wema Bank, Olusegun Adeniyi, noted that the anniversary campaign was designed to merge everyday banking with meaningful engagement.“With ALAT at 9, we are transforming routine banking into an interactive experience. By combining personalized insights, gamified missions, and real rewards, we are creating a platform that responds to users in a more dynamic and rewarding way. This reflects our vision to build a digital bank that is intuitive, adaptive, and centered around the customer,” he said.The anniversary activities will run from May 2 to May 31stwith customers encouraged to log into the ALAT app to participate, complete tasks, and unlock rewards. Existing customers can access the experience by updating the ALAT app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and signing in with their existing details. New customers can download the app and get started in minutes to enjoy the full range of features and anniversary benefits.With ALAT at 9, Wema Bank continues to reinforce its leadership in digital banking, delivering not just financial services, but a platform that continue to evolve with its users and rewards them at every stage of their journey.

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Banking and Finance

WEMA BANK CELEBRATES 81ST ANNIVERSARY AND 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALAT

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…Set to Reward Hundreds of Customers, Launch 5 for 5 Season 5

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous national bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has simultaneously marked its 81st anniversary and the 9th anniversary of ALAT on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.

Adopting a different approach from its grand 80th anniversary celebration in 2025, Wema Bank is set to celebrate its 81st anniversary this year by giving back to its customers. The Bank’s anniversary celebration features rewards for customers on the ALAT App in celebration of ALAT at 9 as well as rewards for Wema Bank customers at the launch event for the 5th Season of the Bank’s 5 for 5 Reward Initiative, happening on the Bank’s anniversary day, May 2nd 2026.

In line with the Bank’s 81st anniversary theme, “Your Future of Possibilities, Powered by Wema Bank”, the Bank will also rollout a specialised customer success initiative dedicated to helping different demographics of its customers to map out and build the future of their dreams. From businesses to students, working class women, creatives and more, Wema Bank will provide tailored, practical and strategic insights and support that will help these unique demographics access better opportunities, receive useful support and make accelerated progress towards meeting their goals.

Commenting on the Bank’s motive behind its approach to celebrating its 81st anniversary, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni, said, “The world is rapidly evolving. Digital evolution and emerging technologies continue to present newer opportunities and realities. To thrive, one must be prepared to adapt where needed and ready to leverage the possibilities ahead; and this is what we want to help our customers achieve. With millions of individuals and businesses in our care, we have a deep sense of responsibility towards helping them make meaningful progress and our 81st anniversary presents the perfect opportunity for us to deepen our efforts towards fulfilling that responsibility”.

“We are building a smarter and more secure financial future for our customers, one where banking is effortlessly aligned with their goals, intelligently anticipating their needs and proactively providing the right solutions. Beyond banking solutions, we are curating opportunities, providing platforms, building an entire ecosystem engineered in the best interests of every unique Wema Bank customer. Our goal is for our customers to grow as we grow, to always be one step ahead, and to make accelerated progress towards their future of possibilities as we journey with them”.

“To every stakeholder who has been a part of Wema Bank’s 81-year journey: our investors, regulators, partners, esteemed customers and dearest employees; this anniversary is dedicated to you, and this is why we have chosen to celebrate this way. On behalf of the entire board and management of Wema Bank, I say THANK YOU for 81 historic years. We have, we are, and we will be with you, all the way. Happy 81st Anniversary to us all”, Oseni concluded.

Wema Bank has established a proven track record of empowering lives, supporting businesses and providing tailored solutions that meet real needs. From financial support to digital solutions, unique opportunities and customised service, Wema Bank continues to show that it is a Bank that truly cares, understands and is committed to helping individuals and businesses thrive and achieve their goals.

For more information on how to tap into the rewards curated by Wema Bank, visit wemabank.com

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Banking and Finance

Fidelity Bank Extends “Give Her Power” Initiative to Ikorodu

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Photo caption:L-R: Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; Retail Team Rep., Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanley Ogbuze; Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Adeola Odeku Branch, Ifeyinwa Asomugha; Public Sector Team Rep., Nnaemeka Ike; Head, Women Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Harriba Harry-Pepple; a beneficiary, Mrs. Akinsanya Abeke; Executive Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele; Executive Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju; and Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Adedayo Ladega, during the Fidelity Bank “Give Her Power Initiative” which held in Ikorodu, Lagos recently.

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has extended its flagship women empowerment programme, “Give Her Power”, to Ikorodu, Lagos State, empowering over 30 women with vocational tools to support their businesses and improve household income.The Ikorodu outreach, which marks the third phase of the Initiative’s nationwide rollout, saw the distribution of 12 sewing machines, 15 grinding machines among other items, to beneficiaries drawn from Ikorodu Central, Ikorodu West, and Ikorodu North Local Government Areas.Speaking at the event, Fidelity Bank’s Regional Bank Head, Victoria Island, Mr. Nnamdi Edekobi, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, emphasized that the “Give Her Power” initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering practical and sustainable empowerment.“The Give Her Power initiative is intentionally designed to go beyond symbolic gestures. Our goal is to equip women with the tools and resources they need to build sustainable businesses, generate income, and create better opportunities for themselves and their families,” he said.Also speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communication, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, described the Ikorodu outreach as a strategic intervention targeted at underserved women at the grassroots level.He noted that the Initiative will be expanded across other regions, including the South-East, South-South, and Northern Nigeria, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to ensuring women are not excluded from economic opportunities.“When women are empowered financially, the ripple effect is felt across families, communities, and the broader national economy,” he noted.It will be recalled that the “Give Her Power” initiative was initially launched in Lagos through strategic partnerships with organisations including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), and One Universe. The initiative is anchored on the bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, which provides vocational training, mentorship, business support, and access to enterprise opportunities.Prior to the Ikorodu activation, the initiative recently took place in Abeokuta, Ogun Staste, where 100 women received 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines at an event held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.The Ikorodu outreach attracted key government and community stakeholders, including the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Prince Adedayo Ladega; Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju; and Executive Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele.One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hassan Bukola from Ikorodu North LCDA, expressed gratitude to Fidelity Bank, describing the support as transformative.“This sewing machine is a life-changing opportunity for me. It will help me grow my business and better support my family,” she said.With the successful rollout in Ikorodu, Fidelity Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling the “Give Her Power” initiative nationwide, positioning it as a key driver of women’s economic empowerment and sustainable community development.Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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