Wema Bank is using its Hackaholics innovation programme to help young Nigerians turn ideas into practical solutions, with 5,329 participants
Wema Bank is using its Hackaholics innovation programme to help young Nigerians turn ideas into practical solutions, with 5,329 participants submitting 1,632 ideas and solutions in the seventh edition of the initiative.
The programme seeks to identify emerging talent, support innovation and connect young innovators with opportunities to develop solutions to challenges across different sectors.
The bank will hold the grand finale of Hackaholics 7.0 on November 6, 2026, under the theme “Festival of the Future,” bringing together startup founders, technology leaders, investors and other players in the innovation ecosystem.
Moruf Oseni, managing director and chief executive officer of Wema Bank, said the initiative was designed to provide young Nigerians with the resources and opportunities to turn their ideas into practical solutions.
“Since we launched Hackaholics, our goal has remained consistent; to provide young Nigerians with the platform, resources, opportunities and support they need to transform their ideas into practical solutions,” Oseni said.
He said the bank wanted to build an ecosystem where innovation could thrive and young Nigerians could contribute to shaping the country’s future.
The 2026 edition, launched on July 1 under the theme “Powering Possibilities,” featured a nationwide tour of pitch centres in Uyo, Kano, Yabatech, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos.
The programme ran across three tracks: Ideathon, Hackathon and Social Impact. While the Ideathon focused on promising ideas and the Hackathon provided a platform for technology developers to build solutions, the Social Impact track recognised initiatives designed to deliver measurable benefits to society.
At the end of the tour, 59 participants emerged from the various pitch centres. The field will be narrowed to 20 contestants, who will present refined solutions at a pre-pitch event on November 4.
Participants will also embark on an ecosystem tour on November 5 to engage with institutions and professionals in the technology and innovation sector ahead of the finale.
Oseni said the event’s “Festival of the Future” theme reflected the growing influence of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies on businesses and everyday life.
“The question is no longer simply what the future holds, but how prepared we are to shape it,” he said.
The November 6 finale will feature innovation showcases, discussions on emerging technologies and recognition for outstanding innovators.
Wema Bank said Hackaholics remained part of its efforts to support entrepreneurship and create opportunities for young Nigerians to develop solutions with practical value.
Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.