A former Managing Director of Wema Bank Plc, Ademola Adebise, has urged the management of the bank to pursue deeper and more structured engagement.
He said the bank’s continued relevance today is due to the efforts and dedication of stakeholders, employees, customers, shareholders, and other partners.
He gave this advice at the second reunion and celebration of Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary, tagged Oluyole 2025, with the theme: “Navigating the Intersection of Past, Present and Future – A Stakeholder-Centric Approach to Sustainability and Growth.”
The event, organised by former employees of the bank under the aegis of the Ex-Colleagues Group, was held at Jogor Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.
Adebise said the reunion was particularly special as it coincided with the 80th-anniversary celebration of the bank, describing the milestone as “eight decades of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to service.”
The former MD stated that the bank stands as a leader in digital innovation within the Nigerian banking landscape, adding that beyond technology, the bank has also deepened its focus on sustainability and stakeholder engagement.
He said, “Our ability to stay relevant today is largely due to the efforts and dedication of stakeholders – our employees, customers, shareholders, and partners – who have contributed to making our bank a force to reckon with.
“I encourage both the bank and the Wema Alumni community to pursue deeper, more structured engagement.
“The value that resides within this network of former staff is immense – individuals with decades of experience, regional understanding, and deep-rooted relationships that can continue to serve the institution in different ways.”
Adebise advised that, “Rather than allow this wealth of knowledge to lie dormant, we must harness it through purposeful engagement.”
Also speaking, an Executive Director of the bank, Tunde Mabawonku, addressed the bank’s capital-raising efforts, saying, “In terms of capital raising, we have already started the process. The bank is a commercial bank with national authorisation.
“So today, we are present in 27 or 28 states of Nigeria.
“And we really want to continue growing. At present, we require an additional N130 billion in capital based on CBN requirements.
“We are already in the market to raise N150 billion through a rights issue. It opened on 14 April and will close on 21 May.
“We have already engaged shareholders, and almost 95 per cent of them have made payments. Just complete your verification and go ahead to absorb the cash,” he said.
Mabawonku appealed to his former colleagues and other stakeholders to support the rights issue and continue to uphold the bank’s legacy while enjoying the rewards of their past contributions.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Group Administration Team, Wale Adedapo, expressed gratitude to the current management of the bank for their financial support and recognition of the Ex-Colleagues Group.
He said the purpose of the reunion was to interact with former colleagues, have fun, and celebrate the bank’s 80th anniversary.
