Wema Bank MD/CEO Moruf Oseni donated his one-day salary to 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah, the winner of the bank’s “1-Day MD/CEO” initiative for Children’s Day, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to youth empowerment and financial literacy
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a unique and encouraging gesture to mark Children’s Day 2025, Moruf Oseni, the Managing Director/CEO of Wema Bank, has donated his one-day salary for May 27 to Chiderije Mbah, the 12-year-old winner of the bank’s “1-Day MD/CEO” initiative.
Also read: 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah takes helm as Wema Bank’s one-day MD/CEO for Children’s Day
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, launched the initiative on May 21, 2025.
It invited Nigerian children to submit video entries showcasing their potential for leadership and banking careers.
Chiderije Mbah’s entry, lauded for its embodiment of the MD/CEO role, secured him the exclusive opportunity to lead Wema Bank for Children’s Day.
Chiderije experienced a grand reception at the bank’s Head Office in Lagos, engaging in one-on-one meetings with top executives.
This move, which has garnered widespread applause across Nigeria and globally, underscores Wema Bank’s pioneering approach to empowering children as future leaders.
Crowning the memorable experience, Moruf Oseni’s surprise donation of his May 27 salary to Chiderije Mbah serves as a powerful encouragement for the young winner to pursue his aspirations.
Explaining the bank’s motivation for this intentional Children’s Day commemoration, Oseni said, “As a Bank, our mission is to empower lives through innovation, and this is a mission we are committed to seeing through from cradle to grave, as encapsulated in our creed, ‘With You, All The Way’.
As Chiderije will be carrying out my duties for today, it is only right that he earns my one-day salary today. The Wema way is ‘work hard, reward hard’, and as MD/CEO for today, Chiderije will experience it first-hand.
This is why Children’s Day is so important to us. Every great man, woman or even institution, was once a child, so to forge the leaders of tomorrow, we need to begin today.”
Oseni emphasized Wema Bank’s dedication to innovation in empowering children. “Today, in commemoration of Children’s Day 2025, we are taking things a step further and giving the leaders of tomorrow a platform to lead today.
As Chiderije will be carrying out my duties for today, it is only right that he earns my one-day salary today.
The Wema way is ‘work hard, reward hard’, and as MD/CEO for today, Chiderije will experience it first-hand.
It is our hope that this will inspire not just him, but every other child to put in the good work and make us proud. Happy Children’s Day, from Wema Bank,” Oseni concluded.
Expressing his profound gratitude, Chiderije Mbah promised to make Wema Bank proud. He acknowledged the bank’s role in supporting parents and empowering children with financial resources and literacy skills.
“Today has shown me that the sky is just the starting point for every child, and I am excited to spread the word to other children. I look forward to learning from you, the experts, and getting more insights into what it means to be a leader, especially for an organisation like Wema Bank, that has stood strong for 80 years. Thank you again for giving me your time and trusting me with this important responsibility. I will make Wema Bank proud!” Chiderije said.
Since its establishment in 1945, Wema Bank has maintained a reputation for its intentional approach to empowering individuals across all demographics and generations.
Also read: Wema Bank’s Purple Academy wins global award for Best Corporate University Culture
Beyond Children’s Day initiatives, the bank offers child-focused solutions like the Royal Kiddies Account (for ages 0-12) and the ALAT Xplore App (for teens 13-17), enabling parents to build stable futures for their children and empowering children with financial literacy skills.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
