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Wema Bank commemorates International Women’s Day 2025

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…Hosts HeForShe Awards, Big Sister Programme Graduation Ceremony, others.

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has commemorated International Women’s Day 2025 in style, hosting a grand event on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at its Head Office Facility in Lagos.

The Wema Bank International Women’s Day 2025 Event convened iconic women from diverse fields and industries to dissect the topic “Harnessing Innovation & Technology To Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women”.

Deriving from the global IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action”, the Wema Bank International Women’s Day 2025 event highlighted the need for implementing an innovative approach to promoting financial inclusion for all women and forging long term sustainability for women empowerment.

 

Among the major highlights of the Wema Bank International Women’s Day 2025 event were the Women Network’s graduation ceremony of the Big Sister Programme Cohort 2; special performances across music and poetry; the HeForShe 2025 Awards where outstanding male employees of Wema Bank who have made outstanding strides in accelerating action towards women empowerment, were awarded to encourage more men to become pro-women; and a panel session featuring distinguished women who have been instrumental in accelerating action for women empowerment.

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Moderated by Media Personality and TV Presenter, Olive Emodi, the session featured three panelists including Dr. Nneka Okekearu, the Director of the Entreprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, Solape Akinpelu, CEO of Harvest and Tochi Ginigeme, Lead Deal Matchmaking at Impact Investors Foundation; all of whom provided invaluable insights and visionary contributions to the perceptive discussion on addressing roadblocks and leveraging innovation for women empowerment.

 

This grand event panned out excellently, receiving commendation from women across Nigeria.

Attesting to Wema Bank’s commitment to women empowerment Chairman, Dr. Mrs. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, the Chairman of Wema Bank, highlighted the Bank’s role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards the global advancement of gender equality.

(L-R) Lead, Deal Matchmaking at Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), Tochi Ginigeme; MD/CEO of Wema Bank PLC, Moruf Oseni; Chairman, Board of Directors, Wema Bank PLC, Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola; Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Nneka Okekearu; and CEO of Hervest, Solape Akinpelu, at the Wema Bank International Women’s Day event in Lagos today.

According to her, “The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”, and 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 empowerment.

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The goal of the 5th Sustainable Development Goal, ‘Gender Equality’, is to build a world where woman can thrive without discrimination and oppression, and we must all do the work to contribute to the achievement of this goal”.

 

Emphasising the deep-rooted nature of Wema Bank’s commitment to empowerment, Mr. Moruf Oseni (FCIB), Wema Bank’s MD/CEO commented, “This mission of empowering lives is one that is deeply rooted in our identity as Wema Bank.

From inception in 1945 to present, we have carried on the mission of empowering our people. A lot has changed in the last 8 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”.

“Since the launch of SARA, we have banked over 400,000 unbanked women, disbursed over N75 billion in low-interest loans and over $20,000 in grants, created over 900 jobs for women, provided market access for 3,000 women, connecting them with over 135,000 customers and generating over $4 million in sales; and these are just to mention a few.

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” Why have we been so intentional in the gender space? Because “Accelerating Action”, for us at Wema Bank, is beyond lip service. 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 8 decades, but more importantly, raising the right conversations and driving 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 80 years anniversary come 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.”

 

Wema Bank has proven itself to be a gender inclusion and equality driven organisation, going above and beyond to empower women from all walks of life to thrive, and contributing to the advancement of the global movement for gender equality.

As Wema Bank counts down to 80 years, the world joins in to celebrate Nigeria’s oldest indigenous and most resilient bank, pioneering innovative impact in the African banking industry since 1945 and beyond 2025.

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Good morning! Nigerian Newspapers Headlines: Fake agency scandal: How IG’s special forces arrested controversial DG in Osun hideout

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1. The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday arrested Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, following a bench warrant issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja, after he failed to appear for his arraignment on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.

Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Adeyemi’s arrest after granting an oral application by the prosecution, led by Wisdom Madaki, following the defendant’s absence when the case was called.

2. President Bola Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to amend the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police services, describing the proposal as a critical step towards reorganising Nigeria’s security architecture to tackle the country’s growing security challenges. This was contained in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

3. A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Muhammad Sani to 20 years’ imprisonment for concealing information about a notorious bandit, Danranmi, an offence that enabled the suspect to evade arrest. In a judgment on Monday, Justice Emeka Nwite convicted Sani on counts one and two of the charge brought by the Department of State Services, DSS.

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4. The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it will recognise only the candidates submitted by the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, confirming that the faction has already nominated candidates for 471 elective positions ahead of the 2027 general election. INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, told The PUNCH that the commission granted the Mark-led faction access to its nomination portal, following the Supreme Court judgment affirming its leadership, adding that the rival faction had no legal basis to submit candidates

5. Lagos Police Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for yet-to-be-identified gunmen who shot dead the Organising Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Toba Ajiboye, popularly called Toba Ijaya, along the Ikorodu road in Lagos. According to information, the NURTW scribe was pronounced dead by medical experts at the St. Nichola Hospital in Lagos Island Local Government where he was rushed to after the attack.

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6. It was an emotional reunion at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, on Tuesday as dozens of schoolchildren and teachers rescued from kidnappers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State reunited with their families after spending 56 days in captivity. The hospital premises came alive with tears, prayers, songs of thanksgiving and warm embraces as parents waited anxiously from the early hours of the day for medical clearance to take their children home.

7. A coroner’s court in the United Kingdom has ruled that a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, Beatrice Solomon, died by suicide after battling mental health challenges linked to personal difficulties. Beatrice, who relocated from Nigeria to the UK on a skilled worker visa in November 2023, was found unresponsive in her home on Norris Road, Stanfield.

8. The  coroner’s court in the United Kingdom has ruled that a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, Beatrice Solomon, died by suicide after battling mental health challenges linked to personal difficulties. Beatrice, who relocated from Nigeria to the UK on a skilled worker visa in November 2023, was found unresponsive in her home on Norris Road, Stanfield


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9. Rivers State Police Command has arrested a man identified simply as Richard for allegedly killing his lover, Caroline Sunday, during a domestic dispute over allegations of infidelity in Eneka, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, reportedly began after the suspect confronted the deceased over claims that she was being unfaithful—an allegation she denied.

10. Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, has warned against what he described as attempts to capture the opposition party through judicial manipulation and the misuse of state institutions. George, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned the recent developments surrounding the party’s leadership crisis, alleging that some forces were working to destabilise the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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BREAKING: Police arrest of fake federal agency DG Adeyemi in Osun

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Embattled self-acclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has been arrested by the police in Osun few hours after a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

According to Punch, the spokesperson of the Osun Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi said Adeniyi was arrested in his hideout in Osun by the Intelligence Response Team from Abuja. He is likely to be transferred to Abuja later today.

“Yes, it is confirmed.  The Intelligence Response Team from Abuja arrested him here in Osun,” Ojelabi said.

A video of the arrest showed Adeyemi dressed in a light blue traditional outfit while surrounded by security operatives.

In the footage, he appeared serious and visibly concerned as he responded to questions from officers.

When asked to identify himself, Adeyemi initially declined to give a direct response.

“I’ve mentioned it, sir,” he said.

The officers insisted that he state his name again.

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“Mention it for us, please. What is your name? What is your name?” one of the officers asked.

Adeyemi replied, “I’ve said it several times.”

His arrest came hours after Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered his arrest following his failure to appear for arraignment over alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.

Earlier, the judge granted an oral application by the prosecution after Adeyemi failed to appear in court to take his plea on an eight-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force.

The prosecution alleged that Adeyemi operated the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has maintained does not exist.

Justice Umar, while ruling on the prosecution’s application, dismissed arguments by Adeyemi’s lawyer that his client stayed away because he feared for his life.

According to the court, the defendant would be compelled to appear and face trial.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 30, 2026, for arraignment.

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Adeyemi’s arrest comes barely a day after he publicly denied reports that he was evading security agencies.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, he had insisted he was not hiding.

“I’m ready to show my face. I’m not hiding. I’m only fearing for my life because I have it on good authority that my life is in danger.

“There have been several attempts on my life.”

He also repeated his allegation that he paid ₦400 million through an intermediary to secure his appointment as Director-General of the disputed council and called for an independent investigation into the controversy.

The police had accused Adeyemi of forging several official documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as other government documents used to present the council as a legitimate federal agency.

Investigators also alleged that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the council and operated from an office within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja.

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If convicted on the forgery-related charges, he faces up to 21 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine, while the impersonation charge carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment or a fine.

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Good morning! Nigerian Newspapers Headlines: Oyo abduction: Presidency slams Makinde over demand for UN probe

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1. The Presidency on Monday criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, describing the demand as unnecessary and politically motivated.

Makinde, while formally assuming responsibility for the welfare, rehabilitation and education of the 45 teachers and pupils rescued after spending 56 days in captivity on Monday, called for a UN-backed investigation into the abduction, saying Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

2. Director-General of the phantom federal agency under probe by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew billed for arraignment on criminal charges today in Abuja may not show up in court. This is going by the indication he gave last night on a television programme when he alleged from his hideout that his life is at risk.


3. The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the April 29 judgment by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, barring the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from recognizing or participating in any state congresses conducted by the congress committees appointed by the David Mark-led Caretaker/Interim National Working Committee of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

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4. Recalling the last days of former President Muhammadu Buhari at a London hospital last year, Vice President Kashim Shettima said he wept seeing that life was ebbing out of the late leader. Speaking at the one year remembrance event on Monday Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called him and said, “‘Kashim, I’ve just learnt that President Muhammadu Buhari is ill in London, proceed to London and ensure he lacks nothing”.

5. A torrential downpour on Monday brought commercial activities to a halt in several parts of Lagos as widespread flooding submerged vehicles, left motorists and commuters stranded and triggered severe traffic across major roads. The worst-hit areas included Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island and Oworonshoki, where floodwaters overwhelmed roads and left many vehicles partially submerged.

6. The African Democratic Congress has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to investigate what it described as the alleged forgery and unauthorised use of documents purportedly issued by the electoral body, following claims by a faction that it had uploaded the names of the party’s presidential candidate and other nominees to the commission’s nomination portal.
The Nafiu Bala Gombe faction of the party had reported on Sunday night that it had successfully uploaded the names of its candidates on the INEC portal.



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7. Imo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a man accused of murdering his wife inside a church in Owaelu, Owerri North Local Government Area, before fleeing with two of their three children and abandoning a suckling baby beside her lifeless body. The woman’s body was reportedly discovered on Monday morning after neighbours, alarmed by the persistent cries of the infant, traced the sound to the church premises.

8. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for economic sanctions and visa bans against opposition leaders in the state, accusing them of aiding and abetting political violence in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Adeleke made the call on Monday while receiving a delegation of the British Government on a pre-election peace-building mission to Osun State.

9. Dangote Petroleum Refinery has switched payment for the sale of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, and Aviation Turbine Kerosene, ATK to U.S. dollar. The new policy, which took effect immediately, applies to both gantry and coastal product sales.

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10. Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for independent scrutiny of the May 14 abduction of children and teachers from Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. Makinde made the call in his statewide broadcast on Monday in Ibadan, shortly after he received 44 children and teachers recently rescued from bandits.

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