Wema Bank chair, CEO recommit to women’s empowerment

The chairman of the board of directors of Wema Bank, Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, and the managing director/chief executive officer of the outfit, Moruf Oseni, have reiterated the bank’s commitment to accelerating action for women’s empowerment, gender inclusion, and equality.

Oseni said this at the bank’s International Women’s Day 2025 event in Lagos under the theme, ‘Harnessing Innovation & Technology to Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women.’

The MD highlighted that the lender’s women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, launched in 2019, which has enabled the bank to provide financial services to over 400,000 unbanked women, disburse N75bn in low-interest loans, and create over 900 jobs for women. According to him, the bank has provided market access for 3,000 women, connecting them with over 135,000 customers and generating over $4m in sales.

He said, “The mission of empowering lives is one that is deeply rooted in our identity as Wema Bank. From inception in 1945 to the present, we have carried on the mission of empowering our people. A lot has changed in the last eight decades, but one thing that has remained constant is our commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and support for women.

As a bank, we recognise the gender equality gap that exists globally, and we understand the need for a tailored approach to addressing this challenge. This is why we launched our women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, in 2019, and why we continue to take intentional steps towards empowering women.

“We walk the talk when it comes to women empowerment, and today, we are gathered here to not only celebrate the exceptional impact we have made in empowering women for eight decades but more importantly, raise the right conversations and drive the right actions as we look ahead to a future of much greater possibilities. Wema Bank has supported women since 1945, and we celebrate our 80th anniversary on May 2nd, 2025. We are more driven than ever to continue empowering women and building a future where women thrive, where equity is the norm, and where equality and empowerment are not just ideals but realities.”

Olorunshola emphasised the bank’s role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals towards global gender equality.

“As the first female chairman of Wema Bank, my career is a testament to the impact that can be generated and the change that can be achieved when individuals and corporations take decisive steps to accelerate action for women’s empowerment,” she said.