₦airaland Forum

Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and leading financial institution, Wema Bank, has unveiled the top 25 finalists that will be competing for over N50,000,000 cash prize in the grand finale of Hackaholics 4.0, happening live at the maiden edition of the Africa’s largest gathering of technology experts and digital revolutionaries; the Hackaholics Digital Summit, on Friday, October 6, 2023, in Lagos.

The Top 25 finalists are: Daniel Babalola for Team Talo, Adeniyi Daniel for Team TouchNut, David Campbell for Team Naija Box, Ebulue Ifeanyichukwu Henry for Team Raptor, Jane Agbaohwo for Team Ireti, Raphael Fynecontry for Team Qevolt Limited, Oluwayemi Victoria Oluwapelumi for Team Crox Technologies Limited, Joshua Mosinmiloluwa Ajadi for Team District 7, Bonojo Adedayo for Team Pup Industries, Tochukwu Ifeanyi for Team Outsidee, Olukayode Fadairo for Team mumAlive, Kingsley Obasi for Team Telehealth Support, Seriki Sogo for Team SitiPass, Efemena Hilda Onovre for Team Nadir, Oluwatimilehin Ogunme for Team Trakka, Nelson Nelson-Atuonwu for Team Grip, Godfrey Ayaosi for Team Afrilingo, Oluwatoyin Ajayi for Team Travel Buddy, Gift Akobundu for Team Shopalz Chai, Olabanji Taiwo for Team Waste2Life, Macaulay Precious Teinna for Team Chekka Inc., Gladness Akinpelu for Team Oak, Victor Ojo for Team Favorite Doctor, Idiare Grace for Team VarsityScape and Damilare Ololade for Team UniversityX.

Hackaholics is Wema Bank’s youth & start-up focused initiative designed to provide a platform for young innovators with game changing, tech-driven ideas and products, to bring their creative ideas to life, hone their skills and gain a competitive edge in the global technology and digital space. Since its launch in 2019, Hackaholics has toured the six geo-political zones in Nigeria including 37 universities across Africa, sourcing creative undergraduate students, youth and start-ups, challenging them to innovate and create practical solutions to real-life problems, using technology.

Since inception, at least 300,000 lives and businesses across the country have leveraged the visionary hackathon to make their big break into the tech industry and transform their passion for technology into sustainable sources of income, earning grants of over $200,000 from Wema Bank. The ongoing 4th edition of Hackaholics, dubbed Hackaholics 4.0: Reimagine, has seen participants pitch compelling creative ideas for impactful solutions that would ease struggles across 10 different areas of human life: Education, Climate, GovTech, Health, Gender-based Violence, Financial Inclusion, Entertainment, Fintech, Insurance and CivicTech. Now pared down to 25, the best performing contestants have been unveiled as the Top 25 finalists in the Hackaholics 4.0 competition.

The legendary Hackaholics grand finale week is here, and the finalists have convened in Lagos for a week-long programme of strategic digital empowerment activities, carefully curated by Wema Bank. Over the first few days, finalists received one-of-a-kind executive mentorship from renowned national and global technology corporations like Microsoft, KPMG, Samsung, Paystack, Flutterwave and Dream Space, among others. This would equip them with hands-on insight and prepare them for the Hackaholics 4.0 grand finale pre-pitch on Thursday 5th October 2023, where the pre-pitch judges will select the Top 10 finalists that would compete in the Hackaholics 4.0 grand finale. The winners will be chosen at the grand finale on Friday 6th October 2023, through a rigorous selection process anchored by an esteemed panel of 3 judges: Ireayomide Oladunjoye, the MD/CEO of Endeavor Africa, Adeoluwa Akomolafe, the Chief Information Officer of Wema Bank and Ayodele Olojede, Wema Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail and SME.

Once again, Wema Bank raises the bar for holistic banking and financial services in Nigeria, with over N50,000,000 cash prize distributed across 5 categories; The winner gets N15,000,000, 1st runner-up gets N10,000,000, 2nd runner-up gets N7,000,000, N5,000,000 is reserved for any female-led team to encourage more women to key into tech, while N22,000,000 is disbursed in University Stem endowment.

Wema Bank is undeniably the foremost organisation in Nigeria to host a campus-based ideathon of this magnitude for young Nigerians across Nigeria. With each solution, partnership and initiative, the pioneering financial institution continues to orchestrate a seamless financial, economic and digital innovation ecosystem to enhance Nigerian lives and businesses, support goals and drive economic growth and national development.

In line with its continuing policy of upgrading the well-being and welfare of its employees, Wema Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading innovative financial institution, has announced the re-opening of Purple Crèche for its employees.

Purple Crèche [/b]is an initiative that provides top-tier daycare for the newborn and very young children of
[b]Wema Bank staff – the Wema Bank Knights – enabling them attend to their daily schedules.
It is a development that further affirms the narrative that Wema Bank is the employer of choice and a great place to work.

Purple Crèche is a daycare and educational facility located within the Wema Bank Head Office and is
available to children of Wema Bank staff, aged 3 – 30 months. The crèche had been temporarily closed
during Covid. The revamped Purple Creche has now been upgraded with top-notch quality facilities, equipment and human resources, all to provide the staff of Wema Bank with superior standards of care and education for their children.

The now re-launched Purple Crèche is fully equipped with premium state-of-the-art facilities and a private room for nursing mothers to breastfeed their infants. The staff also comprises a roster of qualified nurses on-site and is managed by trained and experienced, carers who place a premium on the documentation of the children’s activities, in order to keep parents updated on their children’s welfare and progress. The children themselves are taught and educated to develop their cognitive, social, and mental skills, giving them a head-start in life.

The facility is open every weekday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in alignment with general staff work schedules, thus allowing staff to provide their children with exceptional care in professional hands, without worrying about their safety or well-being.

“Our commitment to improving the lives of our staff and helping them become the best versions of themselves, often have us developing new and improved employee-focused initiatives that positively impact their lives.” explains Ololade Ogungbenro, Wema Bank’s Divisional Head, Brand, People and Culture, “Purple Crèche is one of such initiatives. We observed that members of staff who had just returned from maternity leave had some difficulty adjusting to leaving their newborns at home. We started Purple Creche to bring the children closer to their parents without interrupting productivity on either side; and it was amazing to see parents handle their duties without worrying about their children’s, knowing they’re in the safe hands.

Regarding the renovation of the crèche, Ogungbenro insists it is in line with Wema’s commitment to excellence. “We maintain a constant review of Purple Creche’s facilities and decided to remodel and upgrade its facilities, improve the quality of Purple Creche staff and create a more homely, advanced and top-class care and learning environment for the children of our staff.” Ogungbenro adds that Purple Crèche is open to all staff of Wema Bank.

With its re-opening, Purple Crèche is an excellent facility with top-grade infrastructure and a well-trained staff providing children of Wema Bank employees with first-class care and education in a safe, secure and hygienic environment that’s within the immediate reach of their parents, and under the supervision of qualified professionals.

On her expectations for Purple Crèche, Ogungbenro says “It is about creating a home like environment for our staff most important treasures. When our staff are at peace that their treasures are safe, they can be at their best at work.

“Purple Crèche promises to be a safe haven for both children and parents to maximize their potential within a secure, nurturing environment. It is our faith that this will ultimately help to produce both intellectually sound and emotionally intelligent children, and highly productive, stress-free parents.”

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa, has asserted that "The Armed Forces of Nigeria have a sacred duty to protect the people and the constitution."


He made these remarks yesterday during the 16th International Defence Industry fair in Istanbul, Turkey.

He also told pressmen that, "...just like darkness can not drive out darkness, only light can do that. Globally, illegitimacy should not be allowed to drive out legitimacy"

The new Chief of Defence Staff had earlier emphasized that a people centric leadership combined with enhanced troops welfare and inter-agency collaboration is the future of defence management under his leadership.

In response to the economic fluctuations occasioned by the removal of the fuel subsidy in Nigeria, Wema Bank has announced an increase in salaries for its employees in the business.

With this singular act, Nigeria's leading financial institution in innovation and technology is not only equipping the full cadre of its staff to maintain standards of living in the current economic climate but has also set the standard for pro-employee initiatives in Nigeria.

The recent subsidy removal, in addition to a number of other factors, has led to a nationwide price inflation, and this has compelled Nigerians at both individual and corporate levels, to devise and adopt measures that will help them survive the inevitable adverse effects. Businesses and organisations have had to review their spending, downsize staff and cut general costs. All this makes Wema Bank’s decision to go against the grain and increase staff salaries a commendable surprise. It also further solidifies the widely held narrative that Wema Bank is among the best places to work.

Over the years, the rise and permeation of technology in the world has inadvertently reduced the need for human resources in many aspects of industry. Wema Bank remains a brand which in addition to job creation, also ensures that its employees execute their duties in an enabling and rewarding environment without compromising their work-life balance. It is a stance that has rightfully earned the financial powerhouse its spot among the top 2 banks in the industry.

Beyond financial incentives, Wema Bank has maintained a track record of actively driving the personal and professional growth of its employees; staff benefit from a plethora of health, wellness, lifestyle, career and financial empowerment initiatives, developed to help them achieve and live their best lives. From providing gyms and health insurance, to organizing fitness activities, personal and career development training. There are also the occasional rewards, cash prizes and more. Wema Bank is constantly innovating to ensure the satisfaction of both its customers and employees as further evidenced by this recent increase in the salaries of its employees.

Wema Bank is well aware that an effective, enabling working condition comprises all the physical, psychological, and financial factors that boost the well-being, performance, and productivity of employees. These factors include the work environment, remuneration policy, work schedule, and other conditions of employment that influence the employee’s health, safety and sense of job security. Again, the ideal working condition would adequately support employees’ lives, well-being, health and safety, and ensure they are fully rewarded for their services, allowing them to achieve true work-life without compromising the finance factor. Wema Bank also creates a sense of community among its employees, in the process building a support system for every member of its staff.

One way of sustaining customer satisfaction is nurturing staff well-being; and Wema Bank has maintained a steady and impressive growth while meeting and exceeding customer and industry expectations. With the news of the staff salary increase, it is evident that Wema Bank is becoming a one-stop solution provider to not just customers, investors and partners, but its staff as well. When employees are happy with their work conditions, they are more intentional in carrying out their duties, producing better results and creating an even higher level of customer satisfaction.

Wema Bank seems to have cracked the code to rewarding banking and hacking work-life balance.
It is likely this innovative financial pacesetter will continue to break records and set the standards for integrated banking in Nigeria and beyond. What will it do next? A world of its current and prospective customers, investors, partners and employees watches with excitement.

MainblockAngle:
Hello Customer,
It’s time to enjoy seamless transactions and make purchases internationally.
You can now use your Naira cards, including Mastercard, ALAT Mastercard, and Visa, for international spending. For your international transactions, you can enjoy up to $500 per month.


Here’s what you need to know:

Expanded Possibilities: [/b]The Naira card allows you the freedom to make international purchases, explore international online stores, and buy from your favourite international brands. You know what? The world is now at your fingertips!

[b]Monthly Limit: To provide you with enhanced security and control, there is a $500 monthly spending limit for international transactions. This allows you to manage your expenses responsibly while enjoying the benefits of international spending.

Effortless Convenience: [/b]Your Naira card gives you the convenience of making payments in foreign currencies, eliminating the need for currency conversion or carrying excess cash. It's a hassle-free and secure way to shop and transact abroad.

Whether you're planning a vacation or shopping online, your [b]Naira card is ready to accompany you every step of the way

MainblockAngle:
Wema Bank PLC Launches Season 3 of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo, Rewarding Customers with N90,000,000 in Cash Prizes


Wema Bank PLC, the leading financial institution in Nigeria and the pioneer of Africa's first fully digital bank, ALAT, yesterday announced the launch of the highly anticipated 3rd season of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo. This reward program, initiated by Wema Bank, aims to recognize and reward customers across Nigeria for their unwavering loyalty to the bank.

Commencing July 1st, 2023, Season 3 of the 5 for 5 promo will distribute a total of N90,000,000 in cash prizes to Wema Bank customers throughout different regions of Nigeria over a span of 10 months. Each month, customers will be selected in weekly giveaways and monthly draws, with cash prizes ranging from N5,000 to an impressive N1,000,000. Furthermore, the promo draws will be hosted in various regions across Nigeria, increasing the chances of winning for customers residing in the selected cities.

Segun Adeniyi, Wema Bank's Chief Digital Officer, emphasized the bank's unwavering commitment to prioritize customer satisfaction, stating, "Our customers have always been our priority and serve as the inspiration behind every decision we make. The Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo is our way of going the extra mile to provide value to each and every one of our esteemed customers. We initiated this promo to reward and show appreciation to our active and transacting customers for their loyalty to the bank. As we embark on the 3rd season, we have fine-tuned the requirements to ensure that more customers have the opportunity to win."

In line with Wema Bank's dedication to promoting financial inclusion, Ololade Ogungbenro, Wema Bank's Divisional Head of Brands, People, and Culture, expressed, "For Season 3 of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo, we have adopted a diverse communication strategy that includes various languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Pidgin. We recognize the diverse range of customers who speak different languages, and it is of utmost importance to us that inclusivity remains a top priority, ensuring that no one is left out."

To qualify and stand a chance to win in this season of Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo, Ayodele Olojede, Wema Bank's Divisional Head for Retail Banking, explained the simple requirements: "There is something for everyone in the 5 for 5 promo. All you need to do is fund your Wema Bank account with a minimum of N5,000, maintain an average monthly account balance of N5,000, and conduct a minimum of 5 transactions each month on ALAT using *945# or your Wema or ALAT debit or credit card. The more you fund and transact, the higher your chances of winning and the more you can win."

Mabel Adeteye, Head of Brands & Marketing Communication at Wema Bank highlighted the accessibility of opening a Wema Bank account, stating, "If you're not a customer yet, opening an account is effortless. You can visit the nearest Wema Bank branch or search 'ALAT Hub near me' on Google to find a Wema Bank Agent near you. Alternatively, you can download the ALAT app from your Play Store or App Store and click 'Get Started' to set up your account. Season 3 of the Wema Bank 5 for 5 promo offers abundant opportunities for winning. Reactivate your account if you've been inactive and start funding and transacting today

MainblockAngle:
Mrs. Victoria Irabor, a triple masters degree holder and wife of Nigeria's Chief of Defense (Gen. Lucky Irabor) recently launched her book, "Journey of a Military Wife"

In what will be recorded as a historic occasion in the worlds of entertainment and finance, globally acclaimed Nigerian music artist, Davido met with Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, to explore opportunities for collaboration and transformation between the finance and entertainment industries.

The momentous meeting of minds took place at the bank's headquarters in Marina, Lagos and according to Oseni, signifies the convergence of visionary leadership, creative brilliance, and a shared commitment to innovation. Wema Bank Plc, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, recently welcomed a new Managing Director, injecting fresh perspectives and a dynamic vision into the organization.

"Wema Bank and Davido are both innovative brands that recognize the immense potential that arises from the fusion of finance and entertainment, setting the stage for groundbreaking initiatives that will captivate audiences and revolutionize customer experiences", Oseni said in his welcome address to the global music sensation and trendsetter who has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Oseni further acknowledged Davido's entrepreneurial prowess and influential persona which have propelled him beyond the music industry, making him a force to be reckoned with in various business sectors. "Davido is well known for his unwavering dedication to excellence and having a finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving entertainment landscape."

The meeting with Davido serves as a catalyst for transformative change and positions Wema Bank as a pacesetter in the intersection of finance and entertainment. The bank's commitment to customer-centric innovation and providing accessible banking solutions aligns seamlessly with Davido's mission to empower and uplift his fan base.

Oseni insisted "We are fusing finance and entertainment with the aim of delivering innovative solutions that resonate with our customers. Together, we will drive positive change and create extraordinary experiences."

In celebration of the sixth anniversary of ALAT, Wema Bank's digital banking platform, Davido also Wema Bank’s brand ambassador, has been brought on board to curate a series of exciting giveaways. It is an opportunity to showcase the strength and growth of the ALAT brand, offering customers and fans a chance to win exclusive prizes and experiences. The giveaways are tokens of appreciation for the continuous support and loyalty shown by customers over the years.

By leveraging their combined strengths, Davido and Wema Bank aim to further set new benchmarks in their respective industries while driving social impact and financial inclusion. It promises to be a remarkable collaboration that will reshape the landscape of finance and entertainment, creating lasting experiences and opportunities that transcend traditional boundaries.

MainblockAngle:
Wema Bank is committed to supporting the growth and development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. To this end, the bank has launched the Wema SME Business School, a flagship capacity-building programme designed to equip SME business owners and entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to grow their businesses and succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.

The programme, which was launched in 2021, is held at least twice a year and has already seen four successful editions take place in different parts of the country, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The programme consists of training and lectures on various aspects of business management and entrepreneurship, facilitated by subject matter experts and experienced entrepreneurs.

Each class typically consists of 120 – 150 SME business owners and entrepreneurs who are selected through a call for applications and direct nominations. The programme provides an excellent opportunity for participants to network and learn from other entrepreneurs, share experiences, and gain valuable insights into the Nigerian business landscape.

This year's edition of the Wema SME Business School will be held in Benin, Edo State.

The registration process is now open, and interested entrepreneurs can register through the provided link.

REGISTER HERE:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG6eNaNdyhDkCZsjTvotrd3qi5QbhgLvkznCcJklUY6vMhaA/viewform


Shortlisted applicants will receive the necessary information, including the actual address.

Attending the Wema SME Business School is an excellent opportunity for SME business owners and entrepreneurs to improve their skills and gain practical knowledge that will help them succeed in their business endeavours. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your business to the next level. Register now!

HNICEARTH:
"Adeyeye said: “Indomie noodles have been banned from being imported into the country for many years. It is one of the foods on the government prohibition list. It is not allowed in Nigeria, and therefore not registered by NAFDAC".

For many years? Is this a joke? These guys are clowns

MainblockAngle:
The Wema SME Business School is Wema Bank’s flagship capacity-building programme for SMEs in Nigeria. It was launched in 2021 and it typically takes place at least twice a year. Four editions of the programme have been held so far and each edition takes
place in different parts of the country. Past editions of the programme have taken place in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

It consists of training/lectures on different aspects of business management and entrepreneurship, facilitated by subject matter experts and experienced entrepreneurs. The class size is typically 120 – 150 SME business owners/entrepreneurs and they
are selected through a call for applications and through direct nominations.

This year’s edition is in Benin, Edo state and we need at least 200 participants which means at least 1000 people need to register.
Here’s the registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfG6eNaNdyhDkCZsjTvotrd3qi5QbhgLvkznCcJklUY6vMhaA/view

The shortlisted applicants will be sent the actual address and the necessary information

Estello:
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said on Tuesday that Noodles made in Nigeria have nothing to do with the noodles produced in Taiwan and Malaysia. The regulator also said that noodles made in Nigeria are safe for consumption.

Speaking as a guest on a popular TV show, Your View, aired on TVC television, Director-General, NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, further added that “foreign noodles have been banned from entering the country by the Nigerian government many years ago and this is on the Nigerian Customs Service importation prohibition list and this is to encourage local production of noodles and backward integration of the economy.”

NAFDAC also said it is working to ensure that foreign-made noodles are not smuggled into the country. NAFDAC Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN) organisation, has commenced post-marketing surveillance (PMS) and the Food Lab Services Directorate has also been activated on the issue.

According to the Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Tope Ashiwaju, said “Indomie Nigeria is different and a separate entity from Indomie Taiwan, and Indomie Malaysia. Indomie instant Noodles is locally produced in the country and operations have been ongoing for at least three decades. Dufil Prima has improved local capacity utilisation has aided enhanced production to meet market demand, rather than depending on importation.”

Nigeria is a major consumer of instant noodles, with Indomie Instant Noodles dominating the market. The World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) said Nigeria is one of the largest consumers of instant noodles, with 1.92 million. The ban on the importation of instant noodles is not a recent development, as instant noodles have been on the importation prohibition list of the Federal Government for a long time.


https://tribuneonlineng.com/nigerian-indomie-noodles-safe-to-consume-%e2%80%95-nafdac/

MainblockAngle:
Join the Wema bank’s quarterly SME webinar on the 27th of April, 2023 as we help SMEs to navigate the economic impacts and opportunities of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria.

Use this link to register to attend via zoom,
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FBeP2LxhR9ukKkrZEvrHcw#/registration

also don’t forget to share🙂.
See you there 📌

MainblockAngle:
Hello tech enthusiasts and future tech innovators, Hackaholics 4.0 is here to give you the opportunity to meet mentors and top techpreneurs and also a chance to win up to $10,000 to help you develop that great tech idea.

What are you waiting for? Hurry now to register https://hackaholics.wemabank.com

@alat_ng Hackaholics 4.0 #AlatHackaholics4
Sign up now and don't miss this opportunity. #Wemahackaholics cc @wemabank

MrWraith:
So this is who the cabal want to replace Godwin Emefiele. Naija which way

adioolayi:
Na she dey stir the stormy waters of CBN

Why is this profile coming out now

We are about to witness the first female CBN Governor

The only time a female got very close was when Sarah Alade was the acting CBN Governor.

President Muhammadu Buhari has reappointed Mrs. Aishah Ndanusa Ahmad, Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria and Edward Lametek Adamu, Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Central Bank of Nigeria to serve second terms at the apex bank.

In a letter read by Senate President Ahmad Lawan on the floor of the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary, Buhari requested that the Senate screens and confirm the nominees to serve for a second and final term as deputy governors at the apex bank.
Ahmad, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter-holder was first nominated deputy governor in October 2017.

She was confirmed as the first female DG in charge of the Financial System Stability directorate which is responsible for ensuring a safe and sound financial system in Nigeria, a core mandate of the CBN. With over 25 years policy and financial industry experience, she holds an MSc in Finance & Management from Cranfield University UK, MBA (Finance) from University of Lagos and a second class upper Bachelors degree in Accounting from University of Abuja. Ahmad has been credited with bringing dynamism and a strong combination of academic qualifications and private sector experience to her role as deputy governor FSS.

Adamu, a quantity surveyor by training was nominated to the role of deputy governor, in February 2018. He was later confirmed as DG in charge of the Corporate Services directorate following a 25 year career culminating in his role as HR Director at the CBN. He is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Kaduna and fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and the Institute of Credit Administration. He began his career with the Unified Public Service in 1983.
Both nominees are expected to be screened for confirmation by the relevant Senate committee.

MainblockAngle:
Nigerian Afrobeat artists are set to take Berlin by storm again barely few months after the likes of Wizkid and Burna performed at the AfroBeat Festival. This time, AFROBEAT MEETS BERLIN is set to showcase artists like Kizz Daniel, Teniola, Diamond Platinum, Bcross, Made Kuti and others.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwJnqrl2WMI

The Concert which is to be hosted in the city of Berlin, Germany will be taking place in a 4000 audience capacity venue along with various online streaming platforms for audience around the world.


The concert has been slated to hold by September 24th. It is expected that fans of the Afrobeat genre around the world who can’t make it to Berlin physically will participate via online streaming platforms.