Wema Bank appoints 12-year-old Chiderije who beat other kids in competition
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Chiderije Mbah, aged 12, on Tuesday worked as Wema Bank Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) for one day after winning a competition for the job the bank organised as part of its Children’s Day activities.
The initiative, created to spotlight young talent and inspire leadership ambition in kids across the country, saw dozens of entries from aspiring child leaders.
Participants were asked in the competition to submit video pitches detailing their ideal role in the bank and why they believed they deserved the opportunity.
Chiderije’s submission stood out for his eloquence, clarity of vision, and passion for leadership, earning him the prestigious honour of leading for a day Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank.
On the morning of assumption of office, the kid arrived at Wema Bank Head Office in Lagos to a purple carpet reception and a warm welcome by top executives.
He met with key management members and was given full exposure to the demands and responsibilities of a CEO. But he did not stop at merely observing, he came prepared to lead.
Chiderije was given the official handover of the MD/CEO insignia by Wema Bank substantive MD/CEO Moruf Oseni, who commended his courage and foresight.
Oseni announced he would donate to Chiderije his one-day salary for May 27 as a reward for taking on the responsibilities of the day.
“The Wema way is ‘work hard, reward hard,’ and as MD/CEO for today, Chiderije will experience it firsthand,” he said.
Oseni highlighted the bank’s commitment to life-long empowerment, captured in its creed: “With You, All The Way.”
He also reaffirmed Wema Bank’s belief that empowering children today lays the foundation for a better Nigeria and a more inclusive, visionary financial sector.
“Every great man, woman, or even institution was once a child. If we are truly committed to shaping the future, we must start by empowering children today.
“This is why Children’s Day is important to Wema Bank as a celebration and a serious leadership development opportunity.”
Chiderije’s first act as MD/CEO was to announce four new special rewards to help empower Nigerian youths. The rewards are:
- Free ALAT Xplore Personalised Debit Cards for all teenagers between May 27 and 30 June 2025.
- N2,000 cashback for every new Royal Kiddies Account (ages 0–12) opened from May 27 to June 30.
- An extra 1 per cent interest rate on all balances in existing and new Royal Kiddies and ALAT Xplore accounts between May 27 and June 30.
- Free 1GB data for teens who register on ALAT Xplore app from May 27 to June 30.
“I’m very grateful to Wema Bank for trusting me with this great opportunity,” said Chiderije as he announced the offers.
“I have had the best day experiencing Wema Bank from within as the one-day MD/CEO for Children’s Day, and I wanted more children to enjoy like I have. So, to make this occasion even more special, I decided to commission some special rewards.
“And I’m happy to launch these special rewards to help more children and teenagers like me save, learn, and grow their dreams through Wema Bank.”
The One-Day MD/CEO initiative is part of Wema Bank’s broader suite of youth-focused solutions which include:
- Royal Kiddies Account for children aged 0–12 and
- ALAT Xplore App for teenagers aged 13–17
both of which help parents instill smart financial habits in their children from an early age while empowering young users with tools for saving, budgeting, and learning.
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