NigeriaNews24

Tag: WEMA BANK PLC

  • Wema Bank Expands SME Empowerment to Ghana with NBC Trade Fair

    Wema Bank Expands SME Empowerment to Ghana with NBC Trade Fair

    As part of its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs through inter-Africa trade, Wema Bank is extending the reach of women-led businesses with the NBC Trade Fair across Nigeria and beyond.

     The bank is now set to make a bold move with the Ghana edition, scheduled to hold on October 4th and 5th, 2025, at The Palms Convention Center, Accra.

    For the first time, the Wema X NBC trade fair will be bringing together a dynamic mix of fashion, food, skincare, and lifestyle vendors to create a vibrant marketplace in Ghana, where SMEs can showcase their products, attract new customers, and build valuable connections. True to Wema Bank’s tradition, the fair will go beyond commerce, offering free BVN registration, paid NIN registration, on-site account opening, instant virtual naira and dollar cards, spin-the-wheel giveaways, exclusive gift items, and access to the SARA community for women.

    Attendees who shop with their Wema Bank debit cards at the fair will also stand a chance to win exciting rewards. For those who do not yet have a Wema Bank account, opening one ahead of the fair unlocks even more exclusive benefits. Simply download ALAT to get started. These unique offerings from Wema Bank are designed to foster financial inclusion, support women-led enterprises, and equip businesses with the tools to thrive in competitive markets.

    The Ghana edition of the Wema Bank x NBC Trade fair is more than just a fair it is a statement to the bank’s commitment to uniting African entrepreneurs and expanding opportunities beyond Nigeria.

  • Wema Bank Releases Q3 2024 Unaudited Result

    Wema Bank Releases Q3 2024 Unaudited Result

    • ……Reports Profit Before Tax of ₦60.62billion, a 174% YonY Growth

    Wema Bank Nigeria (“Wema” or “the Bank”)) has released its unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended September 30th 2024, to the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX).

    The Bank reported profit before tax of ₦60.62bn, representing an increase of 174% over the ₦22.13bn recorded in the corresponding period in 2023.

    Wema Bank’s balance sheet remained well structured with total assets growing by 38% to ₦3,084.27 trillion in Q3 2024 from ₦2,240.06trillion in FY 2023. The bank also grew its deposit base year to date by 23% to ₦2,292.30bn from ₦1,860.57bn reported in FY 2023. Loans and Advances grew by 25% to ₦1003.28bn in Q3 2024 from ₦801.10bn in FY, 2023. NPL stood at 3.19% as at Q3 2024.

    The bank recorded an improved 3rd quarter performance as Gross Earnings grew by 91% to ₦288.32bn (Q3 2023: ₦150.90bn)). Interest Income was up 81% y/y to ₦229.11bn (Q3 2023:₦126.67bn). Non-Interest Income up 144% y/y to ₦59.21bn (Q3 2023: ₦24.23bn).

    Return on Equity (ROAE) of 38.62%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 2.64%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 14.06% and Cost to Income ratio of 60.47%, speak to the resilience of the brand.

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni said, ‘our Q3 2024 numbers speaks to our resilience despite a tough operating environment. We will sustain our growth trajectory into 2025. The performance is headlined by impressive improvements in Profit before Tax which grew strongly by 174%. The growth of Gross Earnings by 91.07%, Total Assets by 38% and earnings per share at 328.1kobo shows the core improvements to our balance sheet. In addition, our cost to income ratio at 60.48% has witnessed significant improvement from the previous period.

  • Wema Bank Launches Export Trade Academy to Empower Nigerian SMEs in International Markets

    Wema Bank Launches Export Trade Academy to Empower Nigerian SMEs in International Markets

    In a bold step towards empowering Nigeria’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Wema Bank has launched the Wema Export Trade Academy, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the global trade capabilities of local businesses. This forward-thinking program demonstrates Wema Bank’s commitment to empowering Nigerian businesses and supporting their international growth potential.

    Navigating the complex landscape of export trade involves overcoming regulatory, financial, and logistical hurdles, which can often hinder small businesses from establishing a foothold, the Wema Export Trade Academy is designed as a solution to these challenges faced by Nigerian SMEs when entering international markets. The Academy specifically structured to address each critical aspect of global trade, providing SMEs with targeted guidance on compliance, documentation, financial planning, and risk management.

    Participants in the Wema Export Trade Academy will benefit from sessions led by industry experts as well as mentorship opportunities with seasoned professionals. The academy goes beyond conventional training by offering real-world insights into international trade practices, such as export documentation best practices and navigating trade agreements, positioning Nigerian SMEs to confidently expand their presence in the global marketplace.

    Additionally, the program fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging participants to network with fellow Nigerian exporters, exchange ideas, and build connections with international trade facilitators. This supportive ecosystem is aimed at enhancing productivity and positioning Nigerian businesses as strong contenders on the world stage.

    As a trailblazer in digital banking and business innovation, Wema Bank continues to set high standard within Nigeria’s financial landscape. The launch of the Wema Export Trade Academy marks a new chapter in the bank’s mission to support Nigerian enterprises, solidifying its role as an indispensable partner in their journey to international success.

    The Wema Export Trade Academy embodies Wema Bank’s pioneering spirit and commitment to providing SMEs with practical, impactful solutions. With comprehensive training on export processes and access to strategic financial products, the program stands as a testament to Wema Bank’s role as an enabler of growth for Nigerian enterprises.

  • Wema Bank Launches MOWA-SARA Accelerator Programme

    • Partners with Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to empower 500,000 women.

    Through its women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to launch MOWA x SARA Accelerator Programme, an initiative aimed at empowering 500,000 women across Nigeria with vocational and business management skills.

    SARA by Wema is Wema Bank’s women-focused proposition established with the goal of promoting gender inclusion and equality by empowering women with tailored resources, opportunities and solutions essential to enable them thrive personally and professionally. Through SARA, Wema Bank continues to empower thousands of women across Nigeria with access to finance and financial support, access to market, networking opportunities, affordable to free healthcare and a host of other benefits curated specifically for women; partnering with reputable brands and institutions where ideal to proliferate impact. The newly inaugurated MOWA x SARA Accelerator Programme is one of these such partnerships which is positioned to transform the lives of women across the country for the best.

    MOWA x SARA Accelerator Programme is set to run for 24 months and will cover 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The focus will be on two areas: vocational skills and business management skills with a schedule encompassing two days of soft skills and business management skills, followed by two days of vocational training. The final day will be dedicated to an assessment and evaluation session. For vocational skills, the programme will target three main aspects which include food processing, fashion designing and hairdressing. The 5 day in-person training session will be organised into eight cohorts with the initial pilot phase starting in Anambra and spaning to Ekiti and Kano. This capacity building and women empowerment programme will equip more Nigerian women to earn revenue, become economically active, contribute to national development and will ultimately serve to further bridge the gap in gender inclusion.

    Tunde Mabawonku, Wema Bank’s Executive Director of Retail and Digital, expressed confidence in the programme’s potential for empowering women to thrive. According to her, “Nigeria’s ever-evolving macroeconomic landscape calls for an acutely intentional approach to providing tailored solutions and opportunities to empower our people, especially the women. At Wema Bank, we understand this need as captured in our mission of empowering lives through innovation and we are very intentional about tailoring our empowerment efforts to the needs of our diverse customer demographics. This commitment is evident in our solutions, partnerships, products, initiatives, and propositions; one of which is SARA by Wema. Recognising the need for tailored solutions that help women thrive, we launched SARA in 2019 as a dedicated avenue for reaching out to women across Nigeria, empowering them with unique solutions tailored to their needs even beyond banking, and providing them with the support they need to maximise their potential. This is the basis of our work through SARA, and this is what has informed the launch of MOWA x SARA Accelerator Programme. Our goal is to help women navigate the challenging economic terrain by providing them with skills for self-employment, resources for productivity and support for success”.

    “I encourage every woman out there who is willing to learn a skill with potential for income generation, to register for the MOWA x SARA Accelerator Programme. We also have grants reserved for this programme so it’s a total package designed to help these women become economically active. Inclusion runs deep for us so we have curated this programme such that women of various ages from any part of the country can participate and reap the benefits of this programme. To every woman out there, I also take this opportunity to invite you to join the SARA Community, our community for women who want better. There are so many opportunities rooted in the SARA and every woman can tap into this extensive range of benefits as a SARA Woman”, Mabawonku said.

    The Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, added, “I believe that if we empower the women and they start making money, a lot of prevalent challenges faced by women as a result of gender inequality may be averted. This partnership is beyond the Federal Ministry of Women Affair, it extends to the Nigerian Women Affairs. Our goal is to ensure the sustainability of all women empowerment initiatives, which is why we are bringing in the private sector. On this project, Wema Bank is evidently ready to fly and we are committed to flying together to achieve our objectives”.

    MOWA x SARA Accelerator Programme was launched at a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony which held on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ministry of Women Affairs Office in Abuja.

  • Wema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024

    Wema Bank Shines at Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024

    …Awarded:
    • SME Financier of the Year (Africa)
    • Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa)

    Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has received two awards of excellence at the Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards 2024 which held in São Paulo, Brazil between September 16 & 18, 2024. The awards received are SME Financier of the Year (Africa) and Platinum Award for Best Financier for Women Entrepreneurs (Africa).

    The Global SME Finance Forum is the world’s leading, technically oriented and geographically diverse platform focused solely on scaling SME financing worldwide. Managed by this Forum, The Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards is dedicated to acknowledging the effective and successful practices of financiers across the world, honouring the innovative products and services these financiers create for SMEs, recognising the impressive results in expanding finance and services to SMEs, and celebrating these exceptional financial institutions. Wema Bank emerged Africa’s top financier not just for the general SME landscape but also particularly for women-owned SMEs, at the 2024 edition of the annual Global SME Finance Forum Conference Awards.

    Reputed as the Bank of choice for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Wema Bank received recognition for its commendable track record of developing innovative, sustainable and significantly impactful products, services, solutions and opportunities for businesses of all sizes across Nigeria. The Bank’s impact ranges from affordable financing options and seamless payment collection solutions to access to market, digital solutions for efficient business operation and management, SME Advisory services, and a vast range of products tailored to the needs of businesses across every part of Nigeria. Through its women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, Wema Bank continues to tailor its SME offerings specifically for women, helping these women build sustainable businesses and access the resources needed to scale and thrive. The Bank further supports overall growth and well-being of these women with affordable to free healthcare packages. It is beyond doubt that Wema Bank is indeed deserving of its recognition as Africa’s top financier for SMEs and particularly, women entrepreneurs.

    Expounding on the Bank’s glaring commitment to empowering MSMEs, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, articulated the big picture for the Bank. “MSMEs make up the bulk of Nigeria’s economy and they are critical to not only mitigating unemployment and other macroeconomic challenges but also promoting innovation and significantly boosting the economy towards national development. At Wema Bank, we recognise the potential that MSMEs hold as well as the challenges that threaten the maximisation of this potential, and we have made a lifelong commitment to providing viable, seamless, accessible, affordable, reliable and effective solutions tailored to the needs of businesses of all sizes across Nigeria; especially women-owned businesses. There is a rising need for intentionally inclusive empowerment strategies in not only stimulating growth in the SME sector but also bridging the gap in gender equality, and we have undertaken the responsibility of fulfilling that need. As a Bank, our mission is to empower lives through innovation, and as always, we will continue to seek more effective ways to empower businesses for optimal productivity and sustainable growth”.

    “We are honoured by the global recognition accorded to us by the Global SME Finance Forum and as we receive these awards, we reiterate our commitment to providing businesses with the resources they need and a bouquet of intelligent solutions that mitigate prevalent challenges and make business management and operation seamless, maximally profitable and efficient. Thank you to the Global SME Finance Forum for the acknowledgement, and also to our valued customers who continue to entrust the future of their businesses and their financial well-being in our hands. This prestigious recognition honours our unwavering commitment to empowering SMEs and fostering innovation in SME finance, further fuelling our drive to consistently go above and beyond in accelerating growth for SMEs and delivering optimum value to every stakeholder. We are indeed the Bank of choice for MSMEs and women across Nigeria, and we will never relent in empowering women to thrive and businesses to scale regardless of economic fluctuations”, Oseni remarked.

    Wema Bank continues to raise the standards of banking and financial services in Nigeria, demonstrating a commitment to generating positive impact across diverse verticals, a dedication to exceeding expectations and a passion for empowering lives and businesses for success.

    Businesses interested in accessing the Bank’s tailored range of finance options and business-centric solutions are encouraged to visit https://wemabank.com/smes or send an email to smehelpdesk@wemabank.com to get started.

  • Wema Bank Empowers 100,000 MSMEs in Ekiti State

    Wema Bank Empowers 100,000 MSMEs in Ekiti State

    • ….Launches Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme for Youth and Businesses.

    Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has partnered with the Ekiti State Government through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment to launch the Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme for youth and businesses in Ekiti State.

    Launched on Monday, August 5th, 2024, the Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme is an initiative designed to train and empower 100,000 youth and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating within Ekiti State with business management, digital empowerment and finance management skills for success. Leveraging the immense potential of Nigerian youth and the economic opportunities presented by MSMEs, the Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme is strategically curated to help the youth of Ekiti State maximise their potential while equipping businesses for sustainable growth and productivity, towards boosting the state’s macroeconomic conditions.

    The Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme is set to be executed through virtual and physical training sessions cutting across business management, digitalisation, and financial management, additionally providing access to mentorship support from experienced and successful entrepreneurs from within and outside Nigeria. These participants will also receive a certificate of participation upon completion of their training course. Beyond the trainings, participants will also gain access to market and assistance in securing finances to put their learnings to practice and scale their operations. This comprehensive approach ensures that the Programme not only enhances the capabilities of youth and MSMEs in Ekiti State but also facilitates their sustained growth and contribution to the economic development of Ekiti State.

    Reiterating the Bank’s commitment to pioneering solutions, initiatives and partnerships for the growth and success of Nigerians, Wema Bank’s Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business, Tunde Mabawonku, encouraged youth and businesses in Ekiti State to seize this unique opportunity for their success. “As Nigeria’s most innovative bank, we have committed to concerting efforts, pooling resources where ideal and going the extra mile in developing solutions that address the needs of our people and ultimately empower them to thrive. Our robust portfolio attests to this deep-rooted commitment and with the Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme, we are extending the reach of our positive impact, positively enhancing the lives and businesses of the Ekiti State people and empowering them with the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to thrive in today’s competitive market. Our approach is granular yet comprehensive, bringing tailored solutions for growth to the youth and businesses of Ekiti State right within their vicinity. We hope that through this initiative, Ekiti State will become a hub of productivity and economic buoyance, and the domino effect of this economic boost will translate on the national scale, improving our nation’s macroeconomic indicators for the best”, Mabawonku said.

    The Ekiti State Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Otunba Kayode Fasae, added, “Our goal with this partnership with Wema Bank is to implement a two-pronged approach that contains two missing key ingredients of wealth creation and employment generation, which are skill development and finance. Wema Bank has been extremely supportive in working with the Ekiti State Government for the success of our people. You would recall that in 2020, the Bank collaborated with the State to sponsor the training of 2500 youth under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s AgriBusiness Small Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) and now, four years later, we are proud to announce the birth of yet another groundbreaking partnership with the Bank, the Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to maximise the deliverables of this Programme to serve as a veritable intervention platform for skill development and panacea for employment and wealth creation”.

    Wema Bank continues to expand its network, partnering with reputable individuals, institutions, and entities on state and federal levels to provide viable solutions for Nigerians across the world, empowering them to thrive in both personal and professional endeavours. With the Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme, Wema Bank is set to transform 100,000 lives and businesses across Ekiti State.

    Interested Youth and Businesses in Ekiti State are to visit https://wema-ekitisme.alat.ng/register to register for the Ekiti-Wema MSME Empowerment Programme.

  • WEMA BANK REWARDS CUSTOMERS WITH N10,000,000 IN 5 FOR 5 PROMO SEASON 3 GRAND FINALE

    WEMA BANK REWARDS CUSTOMERS WITH N10,000,000 IN 5 FOR 5 PROMO SEASON 3 GRAND FINALE

    • N90,000,000 Cash Prize disbursed over the Season.

    Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced 124 winners in the Grand Finale of the third season of its reward initiative, the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo—bringing the winners for the season to a total of 1200. The Grand Finale held on May 31st, 2024, at the Wema Bank Head Office in Lagos.

    Introduced in 2019, the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo is a revolutionary reward initiative established by Wema Bank with a set goal of rewarding the Bank’s active and loyal customers for their support of the brand and its products. Designed to maintain transparency and objectivity, the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo is executed through monthly raffle draws supervised by Top Regulatory Bodies and exclusive to the Bank’s actively transacting customers based on the minimum requirements for each season. The first two seasons of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo saw a total of 1,177 Wema Bank customers receive a N63.3 million total cash prize and the just concluded Season 3 raised the bar exceptionally high.

    Season 3 of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo launched in July 2023 with a N90,000,000 cash prize for both Naira and Domiciliary (Dollar) Wema Bank Account holders across the country. Over a 10-month span, the 5 for 5 Promo Season 3 toured Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Uyo, UNILAG, Akure, Enugu, Benin, Osogbo and for the Grand Finale, Lagos. Each monthly draw disbursed a N9,000,000 cash prize excluding the 6th draw in Akure which disbursed N8,000,000, leaving a N1,000,000 deficit that was carried forward to the Grand Finale, bringing the Grand Finale cash prize to N10,000,000; 2 winners of N1,000,000 each, 12 Domiciliary Account winners of N250,000 each, 30 winners of N100,000 each and 80 winners of N25,000 each. In attendance at the Grand Finale of Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 3 were Representatives of the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Lagos State Lotteries Board and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), among other dignitaries.

    Disclosing the Bank’s motivation for launching the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo, Tunde Mabawonku, Wema Bank’s Executive Director of Retail and Digital Business, referenced the Bank’s commitment to giving back to its customers and providing an exceptionally rewarding banking experience for them. “What you see today as an instrument of positive impact and transformation began with a vision set in 2019. Since becoming a National Bank, we had been on a success streak with the launch of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, our female-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, our USSD solution *945# and a host of others. What stood out for us is how receptive our customers have been through the years, supporting us, welcoming our solutions, and embracing each innovation with open arms. The success reflected in our numbers could not have been possible without the loyalty that we have enjoyed from our customers, so we set our sights on a greater vision—to go beyond the ‘usual’ in our promise of providing customers with a seamless and rewarding banking experience. This vision was brought to life when we launched the 5 for 5 Promo in 2019 and I take this moment to appreciate every person who has contributed to the success of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo and joined us in bringing this vision to reality”.

    Elucidating the profound impact generated by the 5 for 5 Promo, Ayodele Olojede, Wema Bank’s Divisional Head of Retail and SME, added, “I am honoured to have had the privilege of assuming office in the preliminary stages of Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 3, witnessing first-hand the impact that we created in many lives, families, businesses and even careers across our diverse customer base throughout the season. We’ve had winners who were NYSC Corps Members, Business Owners, Corporate Employees, Parents, Students, and several other demographics from all over Nigeria and honestly, being here today at the Grand Finale leaves a bittersweet feeling. While the Grand Finale attests to the impactful journey that we have traversed through the past 10 months, it also marks the end of the Season. I am beyond proud of the transformative impact we have generated over the course of the 5 for 5 Promo Season 3 and the Bank is honoured by the privilege that our customers have given us to serve them. I thank every one of our customers for choosing Wema Bank. The rewards never end with us so keep using your Wema Bank account for all transactions. You have nothing to lose but have EVERYTHING to gain with Wema Bank”.

    The Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo stands out for its inclusivity, diversity and positive impact, touching the lives of hundreds of Nigerians of different ages, social statuses, interests, qualifications and lifestyles. While the 3rd Season of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo has officially come to a wrap, the footprints left by the remarkable initiative remain imprinted in the hearts and lives of all Wema Bank customers who have benefitted from the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo.

    Wema Bank continues to offer a plethora of rewards for customers via its Deals & Discounts feature on the ALAT App, its social media platforms and a host of other avenues championed by the Bank.

  • Warrant of arrest against Adebise inappropriate, violation of rights- Management reacts

    Warrant of arrest against Adebise inappropriate, violation of rights- Management reacts

    • …..refutes allegations against MD
    • …..recount full detail of events

    The Management of Wema Bank PLC, has decried the gross abuse, allegations and warrant of arrest levelled against its Managing Director in a press statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

    According to the bank, the situation at hand is as a result of misrepresentation, misinterpretation of facts and vendetta by some persons for their own selfish gain.

    It said:”The attention of Management of WEMA BANK PLC has been drawn to the trending news in the media to the effect that a Magistrate’s Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, had issued a warrant for the arrest of our Managing Director, MR. ADEMOLA ADEBISE, in connection with a Garnishee proceeding for the payment of a judgement-debt on behalf of the Bayelsa State Government.

    “WEMA BANK PLC would like to use this medium to refute the allegations and dismiss the gross representation of facts in regard to the material facts, and the apparent breach of the principles of fair hearing before such order of the court was entered against our Managing Director.

    “WEMA BANK PLC wishes to state that, contrary to the facts presented before Her Worship, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, the said set of five cheques for the total sum of N50m issued in protest based on pending applications before an Abuja High Court then, were in favor of the Chief Registrar FCT High Court, not in favour Barrister. George Haliday who is now claiming the proceeds of the cheques. It is important to note that those cheques were not signed by MR. ADEMOLA ADEBISE and had not assumed the position of the Managing Director of the bank at the material time the cheques were issued in favour of the Chief Registrar.

    “Furthermore, we would like to state that the five cheques issued in protest by our Bank were not dud cheques as alleged by the complainant. The cheques have only not been cleared for payment because of the subsisting Appeal at the Court of Appeal Abuja on the Garnishee proceeding which has now been decided in favour of the bank. It was after Barrister George Haliday lost at the Appeal Court that he resorted to a Magistrate Court in Abuja to lodge a complaint about issuance of dud cheques. It is very worthy of note that the judgement debt against Bayelsa State Government, which Barrister George Haliday attempted to enforce by a garnishee proceeding, thereby leading to the issuance of the cheques in question had been settled by Bayelsa State Government via a Terms of Settlement between Barrister. George Haliday and the Bayelsa State Government at the Supreme Court.

    “WEMA BANK wishes to state that the warrant for the arrest of MR. ADEMOLA ADEBISE is in violation of his fundamental rights to fair hearing as he was never personally served with any process to appear before the Magistrate Court, neither was he represented in court. We are a law-abiding corporate citizen; if there was any court summon properly served on the Managing Director for his appearance in court, he would have done so without fail. But, in this case, there was no such service extended to him or any court processes personally served on him to appear in court until a warrant of arrest was issued in absentia. We view the arrest warrant as being an infringement on his fundamental rights.

    “We, therefore, refute and dismiss in their entirety the allegations of dud cheque and forgery levelled against our Bank and the Managing Director. We also dismiss the inappropriate issuance of bench warrant on our Managing Director. We are already engaging in legitimate actions to seek redress and bring all the perpetrators of these unprofessional conducts and heinous criminal act against our Managing Director and the bank to book.” It added.

    The management, however urged pressmen to yearn for balance in their reports while stating its availability to reply and address issues via its marketing communications and investor relations @Funmilayo.Falola@Wemabank.com +234 1 2778627.