By Adebayo Obajemu
Wema Bank has announced 10-year-old Chimamanda Diamond Ozoakpata as the winner of its 2026 One-Day MD/CEO initiative.
The initiative, introduced in 2025, was designed to build confidence and leadership skills among children, promote financial literacy, and create meaningful opportunities for young Nigerians across different age groups.
The maiden edition of the programme produced 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah as the bank’s first-ever One-Day MD/CEO.
This year, Chinmamanda, the Head Girl of Redeemers Foundation Nursery and Primary School, emerged as the first female winner of the initiative after her one-minute video entry garnered more than 50,000 views.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said the bank remained committed to inspiring children and helping them realise their potential.
“At our core is a deep-seated drive for inspiring children and showing them that they have what it takes to fulfil their ambitions. For this reason, we launched the One-Day MD/CEO initiative in 2025, giving children the opportunity to step into the demanding yet inspiring role of MD/CEO at one of Nigeria’s longest-standing institutions, Wema Bank,” he said.
According to him, the impact of the initiative has been remarkable, prompting the bank to continue the programme this year.
“It is with great pleasure that I have with me here 10-year-old Chinmamanda Diamond Ozoakpata, this year’s record-breaking leader. Today, I am handing over the reins of leadership to Chinmamanda, who will become the MD/CEO of Wema Bank for today in celebration of Children’s Day,” Oseni added.
Accepting the role, Chinmamanda expressed appreciation to Wema Bank for believing in her and giving her the opportunity to serve as the bank’s one-day MD/CEO.
“Thank you, Sir, for trusting me with this great opportunity and for always looking out for children. Wema Bank has shown how committed it is to supporting parents and empowering children like me with the tools and guidance we need to become financially smart,” she said.
As her first official act, Chinmamanda approved three new rewards for children and teenagers. The rewards include birthday cash gifts of N5,000 and N10,000 for children turning five and 10 years respectively between May 25, 2026 and May 2027.
She also approved a N100,000 reward for the top 100 students in the National Common Entrance Examination beginning next month, as well as the launch of the Evolve School Tour STEM Challenge for children and teenagers.
The bank stated that the rewards are available to active Wema Bank customers operating Royal Kiddies Accounts for their children.
Other highlights of Wema Bank’s 2026 Children’s Day celebration included a grand event held at the bank’s headquarters on May 25, the distribution of N500,000 in cash rewards to three children, and the official launch of the Wema Bank Money Adventures financial literacy book for children aged six years and above.
Wema Bank noted that the One-Day MD/CEO challenge was created as a platform for children across Nigeria to express their ambitions, discover their potential, and gain practical insight into leadership and future career opportunities.