Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative financial institution and the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering women-led businesses across Nigeria.

This commitment was emphasized during the Bank’s announcement of its 80th-anniversary campaigns, designed to support and reward both existing and potential customers nationwide.

As part of its ongoing efforts to foster gender inclusivity and economic growth, Wema Bank has announced its return as the headline sponsor of the 2025 NBC Trade Fair.

The highly anticipated event will span across 16 states in Nigeria and extend internationally, providing thousands of women entrepreneurs and businesses with access to growth opportunities, financial support, and industry networks.

The 2024 NBC Trade Fair, backed by Wema Bank, recorded impressive success, generating over ₦3.5 billion in SME revenue and creating transformative business opportunities.

The fair, which included eight local editions in various cities and a groundbreaking international edition in London, saw participation from over 4,450 SMEs, with an outstanding 85% being female-led.

These achievements highlight the significant impact of Wema Bank’s unwavering commitment to women’s economic empowerment.

As Wema Bank marks 80 years of excellence in 2025, the upcoming NBC Trade Fair promises to be even more impactful, with enhanced opportunities, tailored rewards, and comprehensive support for female entrepreneurs.

The 2025 NBC Trade Fair is not just a business event; it is a testament to Wema Bank’s enduring legacy of enabling businesses and uplifting women in the entrepreneurial space.

“As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, Wema Bank remains committed to fostering women’s economic empowerment through strategic initiatives like the NBC Trade Fair.

Our goal is to create more opportunities for female entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to national economic growth.”

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Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has launched the Waste for Gas initiative, an innovative corporate social responsibility (CSR) project designed to enhance household living conditions and empower women in underserved communities.

The program will distribute 3,000 3kg gas cylinders with burners to low-income households in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mowe, Ogun State.

The Waste for Gas initiative aligns with GTCO’s commitment to improving community well-being by providing access to clean and efficient cooking solutions.

It also incorporates a structured waste-for-gas exchange program, encouraging responsible waste disposal and promoting sustainability.

Two-Phase Implementation Plan

The project will roll out in two phases:

1. Identification and Collection (Feb 18–21, 2025): GTCO teams, alongside local government representatives, will visit 12 wards in Obafemi Owode to identify beneficiaries still relying on firewood and charcoal.

Participating households will collect and return plastic waste in exchange for gas cylinders and burners.

2. Monitoring and Adoption (Feb 22–23, 2025): The second phase will focus on ensuring successful adoption of the new cooking method, assessing the impact, and encouraging beneficiaries to transition fully to gas-powered cooking.

GTCO’s Commitment to Community Development

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, stated:

“At GTCO, we are committed to driving progress, not just through innovative financial solutions but by creating real impact in the communities where we operate.

Waste for Gas is about making life easier for families, giving them more time for what truly matters—whether it’s education, meaningful work, or personal development.

Beyond this initiative, our goal is to continually evolve sustainable platforms that empower people, strengthen communities, and contribute to socioeconomic progress.”

As GTCO expands its CSR initiatives, Waste for Gas serves as a blueprint for future community empowerment programs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable development and improving lives in Nigeria.

About GTCO Plc

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is a leading financial services institution headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with operations across 10 countries in Africa and the UK.

Established as a commercial bank in 1990, GTCO transitioned into a financial holding company in April 2021, with shares listed on both the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

GTCO’s financial ecosystem includes:

Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTBank)

Guaranty Trust Fund Managers Limited (GTFM)

Guaranty Trust Pension Managers Limited (GTPM)

HabariPay Limited (Habari)

As a “Proudly African and Truly International” institution, GTCO continues to support social impact initiatives across the continent, focusing on sustainability, financial inclusion, and enterprise development.

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The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has responded to concerns from residents and military officers in Abati Barrack, Surulere, over a recurring billboard collapse that has caused injuries and property damage.

The agency reassured the public of its commitment to billboard safety and clarified that the collapsed structure was not registered with LASAA, making it an illegal installation.

LASAA further emphasized that it does not condone any advertising structure that poses risks to public safety.

LASAA’s Stance on Regulatory Oversight

In a statement, LASAA highlighted its previous efforts to regulate advertising structures within military, police, and air force formations in Lagos.

However, these efforts faced resistance, limiting its ability to enforce safety measures. The agency stressed the need for full cooperation to prevent similar incidents.

Billboard Owner Sanctioned

The company responsible for the billboard, Radius Resources Limited, had already been sanctioned and suspended since October 24, 2024, due to unethical practices.

LASAA confirmed that the company had no authorization to reinstall the billboard after its previous collapse.

Additionally, LASAA has issued a stop-work order to prevent further risks and has formally notified the Nigerian Army, urging them to halt construction at the site for reassessment.

LASAA’s Commitment to Public Safety

Acknowledging the community’s concerns, LASAA’s Managing Director, Prince Fatiu Akiolu, stated:

“We strongly urge all entities, including outdoor advertising practitioners, the military, air force, and police formations, to collaborate with LASAA and comply with existing laws and regulations governing billboard installations.”

“We must work together to ensure that advertising practices in Lagos are safe, respectful, and sustainable, while also prioritizing the safety of lives and property of Lagos’ residents as well as visitors’.”

“The safety of our residents is our top priority, and we take incidents like this very seriously.”

“We are dedicated to enforcing standards that protect the public from potential hazards associated with faulty or improperly installed billboards.”

Public Encouragement for Reporting Unsafe Billboards

LASAA has called on community members and security agencies to report unsafe billboard installations.

The agency reaffirmed its role in regulating signage and outdoor advertising in Lagos and ensuring a safer environment.

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) remains committed to enforcing billboard safety regulations across the state.

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