12-year-old Chiderije Mbah takes helm as Wema Bank’s one-day MD/CEO for Children’s Day

Wema Bank named 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah its One-Day MD/CEO for Children’s Day, a unique initiative to inspire future leaders and promote early financial literacy

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a special celebration for International Children’s Day 2025, Wema Bank Plc, Nigeria’s “most innovative bank” and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, appointed 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah as its One-Day Managing Director/CEO.

Also read: Wema Bank’s Purple Academy wins global award for Best Corporate University Culture

This unique initiative, held on May 27, 2025, at the bank’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos, underscores Wema Bank’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders as it marks 80 years of legacy and impact.

Chiderije Mbah earned the coveted position after winning a social media challenge launched earlier in May.

His spirited video, where he articulated his dream of leading a bank and his vision for making finance more engaging and accessible for children, stood out among numerous entries.

The “One-Day Wema Bank MD/CEO” event was the highlight of a broader Children’s Day campaign.

This campaign encouraged children nationwide to post short videos, dressed in Wema Bank’s colors, describing their banking aspirations while either holding or opening a Royal Kiddies Account (for ages 0–12) or an ALAT Xplore Wallet (for teenagers 13–17).

The initiative effectively blended fun with purpose, introducing thousands of young Nigerians to early financial education and the power of ambitious dreaming.

This is the best day of my life. Wema Bank made me feel important. I am learning so much about being a leader and how banking works.

On Tuesday, Chiderije experienced a full day at the bank’s headquarters. He received a purple-carpet welcome, settled into the MD/CEO’s chair, embarked on a guided tour of the office, and even held an executive briefing session in the boardroom where he addressed senior bank executives.

“This is the best day of my life,” exclaimed Chiderije Mbah. “Wema Bank made me feel important. I am learning so much about being a leader and how banking works. I’ll tell all my friends to open a Wema Bank Royal Kiddies Account so they can also start learning how to save and maybe one day, they can be MD too!”

Moruf Oseni, Wema Bank’s substantive Managing Director/CEO, commented on the initiative, stating, “Our 80th anniversary is a time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going, knowing fully well that the future belongs to the young stars like Chiderije.

Today’s activity is one of our ways of showing that we believe in the children, that we’re listening, and that we’re committed to helping them succeed financially, personally, and professionally all the way.”

This unforgettable experience reinforces Wema Bank’s vision for a future-ready Nigeria, emphasizing early financial inclusion and providing children with the tools, inspiration, and opportunities to thrive.

Also read: Wema Bank celebrates 80th anniversary, receives national commendation

As Wema Bank celebrates eight decades of resilience and innovation, it remains focused on championing the dreams of tomorrow’s leaders, one child at a time.