Wema boosts children’s morale, crowns 10-yr-old MD

By Philippine Duru

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Wema Bank has named 10-year-old Chinmamanda Diamond Ozoakpata as the winner of its 2026 One-Day MD/CEO Children’s Day initiative, a programme aimed at promoting leadership, ambition and financial literacy among Nigerian children.

The announcement was made during the bank’s 2026 Children’s Day celebration at its headquarters in Lagos, where the young pupil assumed the symbolic role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a day.

The initiative, introduced by Wema Bank in 2025, is designed to expose children across the country to leadership responsibilities and encourage them to pursue their aspirations through practical corporate experience.

Ozoakpata emerged as the first female participant to occupy the position, following the maiden edition which featured 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah.

Speaking during the event, the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said the programme reflects the institution’s commitment to youth empowerment and early financial education.

According to him, the initiative was created to inspire children to believe in their potential while providing them with real-life exposure to leadership within a structured corporate environment.

Oseni added that the programme continues to grow in impact, noting that the bank remains committed to expanding opportunities that support children and promote financial inclusion from an early age.

In her remarks, Ozoakpata expressed appreciation to the bank for the opportunity, describing the initiative as a strong reflection of Wema Bank’s dedication to youth development and financial education.

She pledged to uphold the responsibilities attached to the role and commended the bank for investing in programmes that empower children and encourage financially aware future generations.

As part of her activities during the symbolic tenure, the young CEO approved several child-focused initiatives, including cash rewards for children celebrating milestone birthdays, academic incentives for outstanding pupils in national entrance examinations, and the introduction of a school-based STEM engagement programme to promote innovation and learning.

Other highlights of the celebration included the presentation of cash awards to selected children and the launch of a financial literacy publication targeted at children aged six and above.

The programme has further positioned Wema Bank as a leading advocate of youth empowerment, financial inclusion and innovative customer engagement within Ni

geria’s banking sector.