From John Silas, Lagos
Wema Bank has unveiled a fresh wave of initiatives aimed at rewarding, educating and empowering Nigerian children, as part of activities marking its 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
The announcements were made during the bank’s Children’s Day Special Event where the bank’s One-Day Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Chinmamanda Diamond Ozoakpata, used her first official assignment in office to introduce several child-focused benefits under the Royal Kiddies account and ALAT Xplore platform.
The initiatives include year-long birthday cash rewards, academic excellence incentives, financial literacy resources and a nationwide STEM challenge targeted at young Nigerians across different age groups.
Speaking during the event, the bank explained that its Children’s Day interventions have evolved over the years from mere celebrations into intentional programmes designed to build leadership, boost confidence, promote financial literacy and create meaningful opportunities for children.
One of the key highlights unveiled at the event is the Birthday Cash Gift initiative for Royal Kiddies account holders.
Under the scheme, active Royal Kiddies customers turning five years old will receive ₦5,000, while those turning 10 years old will receive ₦10,000 as birthday gifts from the bank.
The initiative, which will run from May 2026 to May 2027, will also cover eligible children who had already turned five or 10 before May 2026.
To qualify, children must hold an active Royal Kiddies account and fall within the qualifying age bracket during the stated period.
In another major announcement, the bank introduced a ₦100,000 reward package for the top 100 students in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE).
The initiative, scheduled to commence in June 2026, is designed to encourage academic excellence among young Nigerians.
According to the bank, beneficiaries must emerge among the top 100 performers in the examination and also maintain a Royal Kiddies account with the bank.
