In celebration of Children’s Day 2025, Wema Bank appointed 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah as its Managing Director/CEO for a day on May 27, as part of a special initiative to inspire and empower future Nigerian leaders.
The symbolic event, held at Wema Bank’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos, was the highlight of the bank’s broader campaign to engage children in financial literacy while marking its 80th anniversary of service and innovation.
Chiderije emerged as the winner of the bank’s “One-Day MD/CEO” contest, which invited children nationwide to share videos outlining their aspirations in banking. His energetic and imaginative pitch about making banking more fun and accessible for kids captured the judges’ attention, setting him apart from dozens of other entries submitted via social media.
The campaign required participants to wear Wema Bank’s signature colours in their videos and share the banking roles they dream of pursuing, with an additional requirement to hold or open a Royal Kiddies Account (ages 0–12) or an ALAT Xplore Wallet (ages 13–17). The initiative successfully blended creativity with financial education, introducing young Nigerians to the world of banking in a playful, aspirational way.
On May 27, Chiderije received a royal welcome at the bank’s headquarters. His day as MD included a full itinerary—touring the head office, hosting a mock executive briefing, and addressing the bank’s leadership team.
Calling it the “best day of his life,” Chiderije said, “Wema Bank made me feel important. I learned so much about leadership and how banks work. I’m going to tell my friends to open a Royal Kiddies Account so they can learn how to save too—and maybe even become MD someday!”
Wema Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Moruf Oseni, praised the initiative, saying: “As we celebrate 80 years of impactful banking, we’re also investing in the future. Children like Chiderije represent the potential we must nurture. This initiative is our way of listening to them, empowering them, and preparing them to thrive personally and financially.”
