Wema Bank Introduces GAH Black Card

Wema Bank has unveiled the GAH Elite Club Black Card as part of preparations for the 13th GAH Awards and Business Summit, scheduled to hold on December 12 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The launch marks a strategic effort to strengthen the platform’s influence across governance, enterprise and the creative industries in Africa.

The event, themed “Africa Reimagined: Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainable Growth,” is expected to convene notable figures from politics, business and civic leadership. Among the confirmed attendees are Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Air Peace Chief Executive Allen Onyema, human rights advocate Femi Falana, the Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, RAEC Managing Director Anthony Attah, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and several other top executives and policymakers.

Speaking at the launch, the convener of the GAH Awards, Princess Oghene, said the 2025 edition represents an expanded phase in the platform’s mission to build a Pan-African network committed to innovation and sustainable development. She noted that the annual awards, which began as a recognition platform, had evolved into a movement supporting empowerment initiatives across the continent.

Oghene said one of the major highlights of this year’s event would be the introduction of the GAH Elite Club Black Card, developed with Mastercard and Wema Bank. She explained that the card offers global financial and hospitality benefits while providing complimentary access to flagship GAH events and networking opportunities with industry leaders.

“It is more than a financial asset. It is a gateway to influence, visibility and strategic opportunity,” she said, calling for partnerships from institutions, development agencies and private sector organisations to support the initiative. She added that the summit aims to shape conversations around policy, business and social progress in Africa.

The launch was attended by industry leaders, including Ceed Academy Chief Executive Ajibola Bamidele, Managing Director of The Luxury Network Nigeria Dr. Samuel Abiola Jacobs, Saalt Spa and Wellness founder Vandana Kaushal, Exquisite Magazine and Eloy Awards Foundation founder Dr. Tewa Onasanya, and financial expert Grace Ofure.

Ofure, speaking on expectations for stakeholders, said the initiative seeks to elevate Africa’s narrative by connecting local talent with global markets and enabling opportunities that drive creativity, innovation and economic empowerment.