Wema Bank Empowers Lagos MSMEs with ₦3 Million Grant at Leather Fair
How Small Businesses Can Benefit from Opportunities Like This
₦3 Million Grant to Boost Local Enterprises
Wema Bank has disbursed ₦3 million in business grants to support three Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the Lagos Leather Fair. Each winner received ₦1 million after emerging as the best in a business pitch competition held at the event.
The beneficiaries are:
EwaOluwa Morenikeji, CEO of House of Ewa LTD
Joy Fache James, founder of Paciencia
Fatima Yusuf, owner of House of Zibima
These businesses are all part of Nigeria’s growing leather and fashion industry. The grant is part of Wema Bank’s initiative to support small businesses as part of its celebration of World MSME Day.
How MSMEs Can Benefit from Opportunities Like This
If you’re a small business owner, here are ways you can tap into similar opportunities:
Participate in Business Fairs and Pitch Competitions: Events like the Lagos Leather Fair are excellent places to showcase your brand and attract investors or grant opportunities. Always stay updated with industry events and apply when open.
Build a Strong Business Story: The winners didn’t just present products—they told compelling stories about how their businesses are solving problems and scaling sustainably. Focus on your business impact when applying for grants.
Align with Empowerment Programs: Banks like Wema regularly support MSMEs. Follow their social media platforms, sign up for newsletters, and maintain a relationship with your bank to learn about such opportunities early.
Invest the Funds Wisely: Use grants to scale responsibly—purchase better equipment, expand capacity, improve branding, or enhance distribution.
Wema Bank Reaffirms Its Support for MSMEs
Wema Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Moruf Oseni, emphasized the bank’s commitment to helping Nigerian businesses grow.
“Empowering MSMEs not only stimulates Nigeria’s economy but also extends our impact to the grassroots. For 80 years, we’ve empowered lives and businesses. We will keep creating tailored opportunities for MSMEs to thrive,” he said.
“Empowering small businesses isn’t just about funding—it’s about believing in their potential to drive real economic change. At Wema Bank, we’re committed to walking this journey with Nigerian entrepreneurs, from startup to scale-up.”
— Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO, Wema Bank
Real Impact: A Winner’s Perspective
EwaOluwa Morenikeji of House of Ewa LTD expressed gratitude and shared her plans for the grant:
“This money will help me expand, buy better machines, and improve my output. I thank Wema Bank for supporting small businesses like mine.”
About the Lagos Leather Fair
The Lagos Leather Fair is the largest leather event in West Africa. It brings together manufacturers, designers, suppliers, and international stakeholders to celebrate African creativity, fashion, and craftsmanship in the leather industry
Wema Bank’s grant to Lagos-based MSMEs is more than financial aid—it’s a call to action for all Nigerian entrepreneurs to seize similar opportunities. Whether you’re in fashion, tech, or agriculture, staying informed, networking, and sharing your business story can open doors. Empowerment is within reach if you stay prepared.
