Renowned Nigerian gambling magnate Kessington Adebutu has witnessed a remarkable increase in his wealth owing to the recent surge in the market value of his stake in Wema Bank, one of Nigeria’s oldest financial institutions.
According to data tracked by Billionaires.Africa, the market value of Adebutu’s stake in Wema Bank has soared by N3.55 billion ($2.37 million), underscoring the sustained investor interest in the bank’s shares on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
Wema Bank shares surge 14 percent, market cap tops $70 million
Over the decades, Wema Bank as a financial services provider has evolved into one of the country’s leading financial institutions, boasting Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT. It is also one of Nigeria’s most resilient banks, with decades of experience in the financial services sector.
Since March 8, Wema Bank’s shares on the NGX have surged by 13.71 percent, climbing from N7.15 ($0.004) to N8.13 ($0.005) at the time of compiling this report. This surge has propelled Wema Bank’s market capitalization beyond $70 million, positioning it as the 36th most valuable company on the Nigerian Exchange.
Wema Bank’s resilience propels Kessington Adebutu’s wealth to new heights
Kessington Adebutu, the visionary behind Nigeria’s oldest gaming company, Premier Lotto Limited, holds a significant 28.09-percent stake in Wema Bank through Neemtree Limited, a special purpose vehicle established in 2013 for targeted investments.
The recent uptick in Wema Bank shares has notably impacted the value of Adebutu’s stake in the financial institution, witnessing a substantial increase from N25.88 billion ($17.30 million) on March 8 to N29.43 billion ($19.67 million) over the past 12 days, marking a staggering N3.55 billion ($2.37 million) gain.
This surge not only reaffirms Adebutu’s status as one of the wealthiest investors on the NGX but also underscores Wema Bank’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s financial landscape, catering to millions of customers and driving economic growth through its resilient operations and strategic initiatives.
