A 12-year-old boy, Master Chiderije Mbah, winner of the Wema Bank One-Day Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) Initiative, took over the reins of Wema Bank Plc on Tuesday, in commemoration of Children’s Day.
The initiative is a celebration of potential, leadership and the boundless possibilities of the next generation, which saw dozens of entries from aspiring child leaders.
Speaking during the celebration, the Mnanaging Director of the bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, said that the initiative was created to spotlight young talents and inspire leadership ambition in children across Nigeria.
Oseni also commended the young leader’s courage and foresight.
Demonstrating a commitment to rewarding talent, Oseni noted that he would be donating his one-day salary for May 27 to Chiderije, recognising the young leader’s responsibility and effort.
“The Wema way is ‘work hard, reward hard,’ and as MD/CEO for today, Chiderije will experience it firsthand,” he said.
The managing director highlighted Wema bank’s commitment to life-long empowerment, captured in the bank’s enduring creed, “With You, All The Way.”
He reaffirmed the 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,” he said.
Participants were asked to submit video pitches detailing their ideal role in the bank and why they believed they deserved the opportunity.
Mbah’s submission stood out for its eloquence, clarity of vision, and passion for leadership, earning him the prestigious honour of leading Nigeria’s oldest indigenous, Wema Bank, for a day.
On the morning of his takeover, Mbah arrived at the bank’s head office in Lagos to a purple carpet reception and a warm welcome by top executives.
From meeting with key management members to making real-time executive decisions, he was given full exposure to the demands and responsibilities of a CEO.
Mbah’s bold debut was followed by a deeply symbolic moment, the official handover of the MD/CEO insignia from Oseni.
Mbah’s first act as MD/CEO was to announce four new special rewards aimed at empowering Nigeria’s youth.
The rewards for children and teenagers are free ALAT Xplore Personalised Debit Cards for all teenagers between May 27 to June 30.
Also, N2,000 cashback for every new Royal Kiddies Account (ages 0–12) opened from May 27 to June 30.
An extra one per cent interest rate on all balances in existing and new Royal Kiddies and ALAT Xplore accounts between May 27 to June 30, and free 1GB of data for teens who register on the ALAT Xplore app from May 27 to June 30.
Mbah said, “I am very grateful to Wema Bank for trusting me with this great opportunity.
“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.” (NAN)
Panel declares north-central PDP congress free, fair
The Appeal Panel for the North-Central Congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the exercise as free, fair and credible.
The Chairman of the panel, Sen. Sunday Marshal, said this during a news conference on Tuesday in Jos.
According to Marshal, the panel did not receive any petition challenging the exercise.
“You will recall that last Saturday, the north-central zone of our party held its congress.
“We were earlier appointed to serve as an appeal panel to entertain complaints that may arise from the outcome of the zonal congress.
“This is in line with the guidelines and constitution of the PDP; we have been on ground since Sunday.
“But in the last 48 hours, we have not received any petition challenging the outcome of congress.
“It simply means that the exercise was free, fair and credible,” Marshal said.
The chairman called on party faithful in other zones to emulate the north-central in ensuring that their congresses are conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner. (NAN)