Former Managing Director of Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Ademola Adebise, has called for a deeper and more structured engagement between the bank and its alumni community, as part of efforts to preserve and strengthen the institution’s legacy. He made this call during Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary celebration, held recently in Lagos.
In his remarks, Adebise emphasized that the wealth of experience and institutional knowledge possessed by former staff of the bank remains an invaluable asset that should be strategically harnessed. He noted that many of the bank’s ex-staff have gone on to make meaningful contributions across various sectors and can serve as critical partners in supporting Wema Bank’s continued growth.
“There is immense value within this network of former staff—individuals with decades of experience, regional understanding, and deep-rooted relationships. Rather than allow this wealth of knowledge to lie dormant, we must harness it through purposeful engagement,” Adebise said.
He proposed the establishment of a formal alumni council to work closely with the bank’s leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team on initiatives that benefit both the institution and the wider community. Additionally, he recommended the formation of welfare foundations and cooperative investment platforms that would further bind former staff and create opportunities for collective impact.
Reflecting on his time at the helm, Adebise expressed pride in the transformation of Wema Bank, particularly through the launch of ALAT in 2017—Africa’s first fully digital bank. The innovation, he said, positioned Wema as a front-runner in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital banking space.
“Under my leadership, Wema Bank achieved remarkable milestones,” he noted. “In 2024 alone, we recorded a profit before tax of N102.5 billion, customer deposits rose to N2.5 trillion, while total assets closed at N3.6 trillion. Shareholders’ funds stood at N256.5 billion, a testament to our solid financial foundation.”
Adebise also addressed the challenges faced by retirees and encouraged them to focus on their health, maintain family ties, and continue learning. He urged former staff to let go of any past grievances and focus on leaving a lasting legacy of impact and inclusion.
His call for stronger alumni collaboration is seen as a forward-thinking strategy aimed at consolidating Wema Bank’s 80 years of history while preparing it for future resilience and relevance in Nigeria’s banking sector.
