Funke Akindele, Waje, Ara Join Sanwo-Olu’s Wife at Wema Bank IWD Celebration

Celebrating Women’s Empowerment at Wema Bank’s International Women’s Day 2026 Event

Wema Bank recently hosted a significant event in Lagos to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026. The gathering, held on Wednesday, brought together a diverse group of notable personalities, including the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, filmmaker Funke Akindele, singer Waje, dancer Kaffy, drummer Ara, and vocalist Yinka Davies. The event was not only a celebration of women but also an opportunity to discuss critical issues related to gender equality and empowerment.

The IWD 2026 event was organized by Wema Bank as part of its ongoing efforts to support and uplift women across various sectors. Attendees included government officials, development partners, professionals, and entertainers, all coming together to explore ways to advance opportunities for women and address gender inequality. The discussions were centered around the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, ‘Give To Gain,’ with a focus on the topic, ‘When Women Gain, We Grow.’

Among the distinguished guests at the event were Ms. Beatrice Eyong, the UN Women Resident Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS; television anchor Olive Emodi; and actor Daniel Etim Effiong. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between different sectors to drive meaningful change for women.

Key Messages from the Event

In his address, Moruf Oseni, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, emphasized the crucial role of empowering women in achieving economic growth and sustainable development. He highlighted global data indicating that a significant number of women still live in extreme poverty, attributing this trend partly to gaps in gender inclusion.

Oseni pointed out that expanding women’s economic participation could have positive effects on households, businesses, and national economies. He also shared insights into the bank’s initiatives aimed at supporting women both within and outside its customer base.

‘The global advocacy for gender equality is a fundamental pillar upon which our collective progress rests. As of 2025, The UN Women body reported that 10% of women live in extreme poverty, and this number has not improved since 2020. It is projected that by 2030, over 350 million women and girls could still be trapped in extreme poverty. This is not because women aren’t working. It’s a ripple effect of the gap that still exists in gender inclusion; a dilemma that plagues not just the women but also the society. Imagine what economic prosperity would look like if every woman became economically active. This is one of the visions that drive us at Wema Bank.’

He continued, ‘The truth is, investing in women is investing in the economy and society at large. The more we give to women, the more we bridge prevalent gaps and accelerate economic prosperity. At Wema Bank, we have been intentional about this, both to our internal and external customers, and the result? Thousands of women empowered to make meaningful societal impact and empower other women.’

Oseni concluded by reaffirming the bank’s commitment to supporting women and meeting their needs. ‘Today, I take this opportunity, not just to remind us of the importance of giving to women, but also to firmly reiterate that Wema Bank will never relent in its quest to continue supporting women, meeting their needs and journeying with them, all the way.’

Recognizing Contributions and Launching New Initiatives

The event featured several highlights, including the SARA Gives to Empower Her Award, which recognized five women who support other women through measurable initiatives and provided them with grants. Additionally, the bank presented its He For She Award to five male employees acknowledged for promoting women’s empowerment in the workplace.

Another key feature of the program was the launch of the Wema Bank Girl Child Journal, a publication containing contributions from 80 professionals offering guidance and reflections for young girls.

This initiative aims to inspire and empower the next generation of women by providing them with valuable insights and resources. The journal serves as a platform for professionals to share their experiences and encourage young girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Through these efforts, Wema Bank continues to play a vital role in advancing gender equality and supporting women’s empowerment. The event not only celebrated the achievements of women but also highlighted the importance of collective action in creating a more equitable and prosperous society.