Go Digital Or Fade -Wema Bank Boss Tells Bankers

By Rowland Shuwa// ILORIN// The Managing Director/CEO of Wema Bank, Mr. Ademola Adebise has disclosed that any bank that wants to remain relevant in the scheme of things must go digital as the future of banking lies in the digital space

Speaking with journalists at a short ceremony to mark the official opening of Wema Bank branch in Ilorin on Thursday, Adebise explained that this is reason for the huge investment Wema Bank is making in the digital banking space and technology.

He claimed Wema Bank is the first digital bank in the country haven launched its digital bank, ALAT two years ago. “At Wema Bank, the launch of Alat, the first fully-digital bank in the country, where account opening, card issuance, documentation, and transactions take place without any physical contact between the customer and the bank has remained a turning point in its digital banking journey,” he said.

Reacting to a recent pronouncement from the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele that Nigeria may slide into another recession if measures are not taken to tackle the high rate of unemployment and economic crisis, the Wema bank boss agreed that there are tough times ahead for the country but stressed the need for Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the economy to be disciplined

In his words, “It is important to put ourselves on guard and basically to ensure we discipline ourselves, tighten our belt because it is not Uhuru yet, we need to continue to tighten our belts so that we have an economy that is sustainable and resilient”

While expressing believe that the country will come out stronger he stressed the need for both the monetary and physical policies of govt to be in sync.

Adebise who disclosed that a lot of efforts had gone into stabilizing the foreign exchange market and ensuring that the naira is stable lauded the second term granted the CBN Governor. He noted that this would go a long in creating some level of consistency in the economy.

Earlier, in his goodwill message on the occasion, the CEO/ Chairman of Kam Holdings Ltd.,  Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf had described Wema Bank as a dependable ally of entrepreneurs. Also, a front line hotelier in Kwara state, Chief Emmanuel Ojo lauded the bank for its consistency in helping entrepreneurs realised their dreams.