Wema Bank has named 10-year-old Chinmamanda Diamond Ozoakpata as the winner of its 2026 One-Day MD/CEO Children’s Day initiative, an experiential leadership programme designed to inspire financial literacy, ambition, and early leadership development among Nigerian children.

The announcement was made as part of the bank’s 2026 Children’s Day celebrations held at its head office in Lagos, where the initiative saw the young pupil step into the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a day, symbolically taking charge of one of Nigeria’s oldest indigenous financial institutions.

The One-Day MD/CEO initiative, introduced in 2025, is an industry-first programme by Wema Bank aimed at providing children across Nigeria with practical exposure to leadership responsibilities while encouraging them to explore their aspirations and potential. The maiden edition featured 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah as the inaugural participant, while this year’s edition set a new milestone with Ozoakpata emerging as the first female recipient of the role.

According to the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, the initiative reflects the institution’s long-term commitment to youth empowerment and early financial education.

He said the programme was created to inspire children to believe in their ability to achieve success while exposing them to real-world leadership experiences within a structured corporate environment.

Oseni noted that the initiative continues to gain significant impact, adding that the bank remains committed to expanding opportunities that support children and strengthen financial inclusion from an early age.

Accepting the symbolic leadership role, Ozoakpata expressed appreciation to the bank for the opportunity, describing it as a meaningful platform that reflects Wema Bank’s commitment to youth development and financial education.

She pledged to uphold the responsibilities of the role for the day and commended the bank’s continued investment in initiatives that empower children and support parents in building financially aware future generations.

As part of her activities during her tenure, the young MD/CEO approved a series of child-focused initiatives, including cash rewards for children celebrating milestone birthdays, academic incentives for top-performing pupils in national entrance examinations, and the introduction of a school-based STEM engagement programme designed to promote innovation and learning among students.

Other highlights of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration included cash awards presented to selected children, as well as the official launch of a financial literacy publication aimed at children aged six and above, further reinforcing the bank’s focus on early financial education.

The programme has continued to position Wema Bank as a key advocate for youth empowerment, financial inclusion, and innovative customer engagement within Nigeria’s banking sector.