Closeup’s “Closer Is Better” campaign took centre stage at the Best Friends Forever (BFF) Conference on Saturday, 2 August 2025, transforming Alpha Hall, Ikosi, Lagos, into a vibrant hub of friendship, youth culture, and authentic connection.

The annual gathering, which celebrates shared experiences and the spirit of togetherness, became a perfect stage for the brand’s renewed vision — one rooted in self-confidence, authentic relationships, and the joy of closeness.

From the moment guests stepped into the venue, Closeup’s bold red-and-white installation became a focal point. The booth was alive with interactive games, prize wheel spins, dance-offs, and spontaneous moments that drew strangers together. Attendees lined up for photo booth sessions, while laughter and shared stories filled the air.

“Safe to say, what Closeup built that day was a hub where confidence was contagious and everyone was welcome,” the organisers said.

Inspiring Voices on Confidence and Friendship

The BFF Conference’s speaker line-up added depth to the lively atmosphere. Wellness coach Bunmi George, leadership strategist Debola Deji-Kurunmi, and pastors Yemi Davids and Godman Akinlabi delivered talks that explored identity, faith, courage, and the bonds that sustain friendships.

Their reflections resonated strongly with the audience.

“Real confidence begins within, and showing up for others starts with showing up for yourself,” one speaker noted — a sentiment that drew applause and nods from the crowd.

A Movement Beyond the Event

Through its participation, Closeup reaffirmed its commitment to creating spaces where young people can connect meaningfully. The “Closer Is Better” campaign, which encourages openness, self-expression, and embracing true identity, mirrors conversations already happening among young Nigerians about vulnerability, friendship, and self-worth.

The movement, the brand says, will keep evolving to inspire more opportunities for authentic connection.

“Because in life, closer is better,” a Closeup representative said.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has described Ondo State as a pivotal force in the country’s socio-economic development, underscoring the vital role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in transforming Nigeria’s economic landscape.

Speaking on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the 7th edition of the Expanded National MSME Clinic held at The Dome in Akure, Shettima declared, “MSMEs account for 90 percent of jobs in this country. They are key to poverty alleviation and national prosperity. The growth of our economy must go hand in hand with the growth of small businesses.”

The event, themed “Ondo 2025”, brought together business leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, and entrepreneurs to discuss and accelerate support for MSMEs.

The Vice President noted that 65 Ondo-based MSMEs have already accessed the Federal Government’s N75 billion intervention fund and reiterated that Ondo’s contributions to national productivity cannot be overlooked.

“This fund is designed to provide affordable financing for entrepreneurs,” he explained. “We must ensure that this support is not a one-way gesture. I call on all partner agencies to continue working hand-in-hand with MSMEs to deliver lasting impact.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima addressing participants and guests at the Exhibition.

Renewed Hope in Agriculture and Industry

As part of the administration’s broader economic strategy, Shettima unveiled a key initiative under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda – the planting of 100 million oil palm trees nationwide and revival of the cocoa industry.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a clear directive that we should plant 100 million oil palm trees across the country. We’re also going to revive the cocoa industry,” Shettima said.

He also praised Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for the state’s efforts in empowering small businesses and improving infrastructure.

“Let me commend the Governor of Ondo State for his visible commitment to development. What I’ve seen here today is very impressive,” the VP noted.

Governor Aiyedatiwa: MSMEs Are the Backbone of Our Economy

In his speech, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the clinic as a strategic intervention in unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential through the growth of MSMEs.

“We believe that MSMEs are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy,” he said. “Our OUR EASE agenda directly aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and we are fully committed to creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship.”

Governor. Aiyedatiwa addressing the guests and participants

Aiyedatiwa celebrated local success stories, including Denki Wire and Cables Ltd and Kay Classic Fashion, both national MSME Award winners for excellence in manufacturing and fashion.

The Governor also outlined his administration’s support for small businesses, including:

N220 million in interest-free loans disbursed in 2024 via the Ondo State Micro-Credit Agency (ODSMA)

Access to the Bank of Industry N75 billion intervention fund

The “One Youth One Skill” initiative

The launch of Odatiwa Skills Development Enterprise Centres (OSDEC) and Ondo’s first mini shared facility

He used the opportunity to request federal support for:

A Fashion Hub Shared Facility in Ondo

An Oil Palm Processing Plant to boost the state’s agricultural productivity

Regional Leaders, Monarchs Back MSME Growth

Also present at the event was Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, who praised the MSME Clinic as a “strategic tool for human capacity development.”

“National development is best driven by productivity. We must patronize locally made goods to empower our people,” Oyebanji said.

In a royal goodwill message, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, emphasized youth empowerment and collaboration.

“Empowering young entrepreneurs and supporting Nigerian-made products through public-private partnership is the path forward,” the Ooni remarked.

Policy Makers Highlight Impact of MSME Clinics

Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, detailed how the clinics have improved direct engagement between regulators and small business owners nationwide.

Earlier, Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami expressed gratitude to the Vice President for attending, reiterating Ondo’s commitment to business growth and economic transformation.

Orioye Gbayisemore, SSA to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, announced that over 10,000 youths have been empowered through various state initiatives.

“The youth of Ondo State are exceptionally creative and industrious. Their entrepreneurial efforts are contributing meaningfully to national development,” Gbayisemore said.

Traditional Rulers Pledge Support for National Agenda

Prior to the MSME Clinic, VP Shettima visited the Ondo State Council of Obas Secretariat where he engaged with traditional rulers, seeking continued support for the policies of the Tinubu administration, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wema Bank Plc, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous financial institution and digital banking pioneer, has announced an extraordinary 231% rise in Profit Before Tax (PBT), reaching ₦101.2 billion in its unaudited half-year (H1) 2025 results. The figures, filed with the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), position the bank as one of the strongest performers in the Nigerian financial sector this year.

This impressive leap, up from ₦30.55 billion in the corresponding period of 2024, underscores Wema Bank’s ongoing transformation and expansion, particularly in digital banking via its flagship product, ALAT.

Robust Financial Metrics Across the Board

Wema Bank’s Gross Earnings rose to ₦303.2 billion in H1 2025, a 70% increase from ₦178.63 billion in H1 2024. Interest Income surged to ₦240.12 billion — a 65% year-on-year increase — while Non-Interest Income jumped by 91% to ₦63.08 billion.

Its balance sheet remains healthy and forward-facing. Total assets climbed from ₦3.585 trillion in H1 2024 to ₦3.963 trillion in the same period this year. Deposits rose modestly by 3% to ₦2.60 trillion, while Loans and Advances grew by 19% to ₦1.426 trillion, up from ₦1.201 trillion.

The bank’s Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio stood at 3.17%, reflecting its continued dedication to maintaining asset quality.

CEO Moruf Oseni: “This is Just the Beginning”

Speaking on the stellar performance, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Moruf Oseni, attributed the gains to a long-standing culture of innovation, resilience, and customer-focused delivery.

“For 80 years, Wema Bank has redefined impossible, consistently breaking new ground and raising the bar in delivering positive impact. Three years ago, we took our Profit Before Tax from ₦14.75 billion in 2022 to ₦43.59 billion in 2023, and in 2024, our PBT stood at an impressive ₦102 billion. Now, just halfway through 2025, we have achieved over 99% of our 2024 full-year PBT in just H1, and for us, this is just a starting point,” he said.

“As a Bank, we have remained committed to surpassing expectations and redefining limitations and this is a standard we are prepared to uphold relentlessly. Wema Bank is the Bank that works for all and we will continue to pull all stops in delivering optimum value to every stakeholder, from our shareholders to customers, employees, partners, regulators, and every person and institution who has played a part in our 80-year journey and beyond.”

Performance Highlights in Figures

The half-year financial statement also showcased key profitability and efficiency metrics:

Return on Average Equity (ROAE): +60.40%

Return on Average Assets (ROAA): +4.64%

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR): +13.68%

Cost-to-Income Ratio: +47.55%

These indicators reflect not only profitability but also operational efficiency and strong capital buffers, boosting investor confidence.

Sustaining Eight Decades of Innovation

For 80 years, Wema Bank has maintained its position as a trusted and evolving financial partner for Nigerians across all demographics and industries. With ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank, it continues to lead the sector in innovation and inclusion.

The bank’s consistent growth despite economic headwinds signals strong management practices, digital agility, and a clear strategic vision for the future.