In a heartwarming gesture of mentorship and encouragement, Moruf Oseni, MD/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, held in celebration of Children’s Day 2025.
The initiative, launched on May 21, 2025, invited children across Nigeria to submit videos showcasing their leadership potential and describing their ideal role within the bank. After reviewing dozens of inspiring entries, Chiderije Mbah emerged as the standout candidate, earning the exclusive opportunity to serve as Wema Bank’s MD/CEO for a day.
From his grand reception at Wema Bank’s Head Office in Lagos to engaging with top executives, Chiderije’s experience captivated audiences nationwide. His standout performance culminated in a surprise from Moruf Oseni, who presented him with his full one-day salary—a gesture symbolizing the bank’s belief in nurturing future leaders.
Officially handing over the reins of leadership, Oseni emphasized the bank’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment: “Our mission is to empower lives through innovation, and that begins from childhood. Every great leader was once a child. At Wema Bank, we believe in creating platforms where the leaders of tomorrow can lead today. That’s why it is only right that Chiderije, as MD/CEO for a day, earns the salary that comes with it. This is the Wema way—work hard, reward hard.”
In his acceptance remarks, Chiderije Mbah expressed deep appreciation: “Thank you, Sir, for this opportunity and for always thinking about children. Being a part of the Wema Bank family has inspired me. I’ve learned that the sky is just the beginning for us. I promise to make you and the bank proud.”
Wema Bank has consistently demonstrated leadership in empowering Nigerians across all demographics. Beyond Children’s Day, its child-focused offerings—Royal Kiddies Account (ages 0–12) and ALAT Xplore App (ages 13–17)—equip young people with financial tools and literacy for a better future.
As Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, Wema Bank continues to live up to its mantra: With You, All the Way—supporting not just the financial needs of customers, but also their aspirations, from cradle to career.