The European Union and the World Bank are backing the Federal Government of Nigeria as the country scales up its Three Million Technical Talent programme with support in a renewed push to equip young people with digital skills and connect them to global job opportunities.
The 3MTT programme is a flagship initiative of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. Its primary goal is to train three million Nigerians in key technical skills by 2027, thereby building a robust digital workforce to power Nigeria’s economy and position the country as a global exporter of tech talent.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, said the 3MTT initiative, billed as the world’s largest talent accelerator, is central to President Bola Tinubu’s vision for human capital development.
“When we came in, he said we must create one million technical jobs,” Tijjani told TVC recently. “That’s why we started the 3MTT programme… Every state I travel to, I meet young participants who are now gaining new skills and access to real opportunities.”
The programme, which began in 2023 with a pilot phase involving one per cent of its target, is now expanding rapidly. “We shifted to 10 per cent last year to learn what’s working,” Tijjani said. “Now we’re going full scale.”
According to the minister, the European Union has committed over €11m to support the programme. The World Bank is also analysing the initiative’s impact as part of a broader effort to scale up youth employment solutions.
Unlike past government-led training schemes, 3MTT has emphasised job placement alongside skills acquisition. Tijjani said partnerships with private companies and international organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme, which pays internship salaries for participants, have helped thousands of beneficiaries gain practical work experience.
He added that the government will soon launch Talent City, a new initiative that will convert public buildings into business process outsourcing hubs capable of hosting global service firms. The move is aimed at tapping into the growing demand for English-speaking talent in the BPO industry, a sector long dominated by countries such as India and the Philippines.
“We’re starting with the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos and working with state governments to renovate iconic buildings like the Standard Building to house more outsourcing operations,” he said.
Tijjani stressed that the government is taking a data-driven approach. “We’re not just throwing numbers around. This is about people’s lives,” he said.
SHAREHOLDERS COMMEND WEMA BANK AT 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETIN
…Express confidence in stable future following FY 2024 Financial Performance
Reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s most profitable financial institutions, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has received a unanimous vote of confidence from its shareholders across Nigeria as it disclosed a record-breaking financial performance at its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Wema Bank 2024 AGM held virtually in Lagos on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
According to the Bank’s 2024 Annual Report, Wema Bank, in 2024, recorded an all-time-high performance, with Gross Earnings growing by 91.51% from N225.75 billion in FY 2023 to N432.34 billion in FY 2024; Profit before Tax (PBT) increasing by 135.16% to N102.51 billion in FY 2024 from N43.59 billion in FY 2023, and Profit After Tax (PAT) increasing by 140.13% to N86.29 billion from N35.93 billion reported in FY 2023; Total Deposits rose by 35.65% to N2,523.82 billion in FY 2024 from N 1,860.57 billion in FY 2023 and Total Assets stood at N3,585.05billion in FY 2024, representing a 60.04% increase over the N2,240.06billion recorded in the corresponding year of 2023 and placing the Bank squarely above the One trillion Naira mark, a milestone the Bank surpassed in Q3 2021.
The Bank also grew its loans to customers by 49.94% to close FY 2024 at N1,201.21 billion from the N801.10 billion recorded in 2023. Impressively, the Wema and ALAT brands continue to win public acceptance and market relevance as the Bank continues to record growth in its retail deposit drive. 2024 has proven beyond doubt to be an exceptional for the Bank with earnings growing by 91.51% year on year with earnings per share at 483.2 kobo. Additionally, the Bank’s Non-Performing Loan rate closed at 3.86%, a reduction from FY 2023 position. It is no surprise that the Bank received unanimous commendation from shareholders, with both internal and external stakeholders expressing full confidence in the Bank’s stable outlook and successful financial future.
Among the shareholders who expressed a vote of confidence in Wema Bank were Mr. Matthew Akinlade, who commended the Management for a performance he regarded as “very outstanding”, and Ambassador Doctor Olatunde Okelana, who described the 2024 financial performance of Wema Bank as “historical”, commending Wema Bank’s proactive approach to employee well-being.
Mrs. Bisi Bakare, National Coordinator of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, also added, “I want to start by commending Wema Bank’s outstanding performance despite the challenging macroeconomic performance. On gender inclusion, I would also like to commend Wema Bank for an impressive gender diversity on the board with 5 out of 11 directors being female, representing a remarkable 38% ratio. Furthermore, I want to seriously commend the succession plan of Wema Bank, and the board for achieving 100% attendance in meetings, which shows a full commitment on their part”.
Anchoring the Wema Bank 2024 AGM, Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, the Chairman of Wema Bank, expressed the Bank’s gratitude and appreciation to its shareholders, customers, employees, regulators, partners and other stakeholders, for their continued support and contributions to the Bank’s outstanding performance for the year in view, reiterating the Bank’s commitment to sustain the upward surge in its performance in the decades to come.
Alluding to the Bank’s plan for sustaining the gargantuan growth recorded in 2024, Moruf Oseni, the Bank’s MD/CEO, added, “We will continue to deliver best-in-class financial solutions, invest in second-to-none technology, reinforce our internal framework for maximum efficiency and remain fully committed to innovation and service excellence, as we continue to provide optimum returns for every stakeholder of Wema Bank. The N150 billion Rights Issue window ended yesterday May 21st, 2025. However, we have raised a motion to raise another N50 billion through private placement, and with your permission, we will proceed with that, come June 2025”.
“At the end of it all, what we expect is that Wema Bank will have qualifying capital slightly north of N267 billion, which allows us to sustain the resilient and robust franchise that we have built together, to keep Wema Bank thriving as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Wema Bank stands strong at 80 and in the decades to come, I can assure you that the growth we are experiencing today, is just a tip of the iceberg”, Oseni concluded.
Wema Bank 2024 AGM saw the Bank’s shareholders authorise a number of decisions including the re-election of board members, remuneration of Audit and Board members, and payment of dividends of N1 per share.
From marking the incredible milestone of its 80th anniversary to making significant strides towards meeting the CBN recapitalisation benchmark for 2026 and achieving a record-breaking 2024 financial performance that has sustained an unparalleled growth streak over the past decade, Wema Bank has proven its capacity to remain at the forefront of the African financial industry without compromising on delivering unmatched value to stakeholders.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service has condemned the Federal Capital Territory Administration for shutting down one of its offices in Abuja.
The agency described the action as “malicious” and “unprofessional.”
In a statement released via X (formerly Twitter), Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, accused the FCTA of unfairly targeting the agency.
“It is highly unprofessional of the Wike-led FCTA to close our office, disrupting staff from performing their duties when we have done nothing wrong, especially during a crucial week as we prepare to sign the Tax Reform Bills. FCTA, you have erred gravely; FIRS owes you nothing,” Atoyebi asserted.
She further accused the FCTA of attempting to use FIRS as a scapegoat, adding, “If you are looking for a fall guy, look elsewhere. We should not be your scapegoat when you know full well that the falsehoods you spread in the media and your malicious, illegal actions will harm our operations.”
Atoyebi maintained that the agency has no outstanding rent payments to the FCTA for the past 25 years and insisted that all obligations had been settled up to 2023.
“We have the evidence,” she emphasised, pushing back against claims of indebtedness.
According to her, the incident comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria’s tax system, with major reform legislation expected to be finalised soon.
She warned that such disruptions could undermine public confidence and delay the implementation of key fiscal policies.
Analysts caution that escalating tensions between federal agencies may affect service delivery and create institutional instability.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly indicated that it might pass the harmonised Tax Reform Bills by Tuesday, following a successful review of contentious clauses.
James Faleke, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and leader of the House delegation for the bills’ harmonisation exercise, disclosed this via his official X account on Sunday.
He tweeted, “The Conference Committee set up by the House and the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills has successfully concluded its work. The joint committees thoroughly reviewed all sections, addressed grey areas in the four Bills, examined each clause strategically, and resolved contentious issues.”
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the FCTA sealed the FIRS office in Abuja for similar violations alongside an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja, over non-payment of ground rent spanning 34 years.
Design Week Lagos Joins Forces with Ecobank and Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to Launch “2025 Design and Innovation Exhibition”
Design Week Lagos is partnering with Ecobank Nigeria and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to present Nigeria’s inaugural Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025.
Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, stated: “This exhibition offers a distinctive avenue for our nation’s economic advancement. By harnessing the synergy between Nigerian creativity and the manufacturing sector, we can modernize and innovate our products, promote the production of Nigerian creativity and furniture, and strengthen our economic connections.”
Titi Ogufere, Founder of Design Week Lagos and the Design, Innovation, and Inventors Hub of Nigeria, shared her vision for the event: “The Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 is more than a celebration of design; it represents a bold step toward positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By fostering collaborations between designers and manufacturers, we aim to develop innovative products that not only serve local markets but also establish Nigeria as a global leader in design and manufacturing exports. This initiative underscores our commitment to building a sustainable industrial ecosystem that celebrates local talent and drives economic growth across Africa.”
” At a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s creative economy, the Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 will showcase the finest in furniture, product, and industrial design. This year’s exhibition will focus on the theme ‘Building a Made-in-Nigeria Brand, ’celebrating the creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship of Nigerian designers and manufacturers while emphasizing industrialization and export potential,” Ogufere said.
Omoboye Odu, Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank, said partnering for the exhibition is yet another demonstration of Ecobank’s commitment to driving innovation, collaboration, and capacity building, which is the backbone of the nation’s economy.
“Ecobank is the solution for African banking, and we are committed to giving our customers the platform to network, collaborate, and partner to promote innovation and creativity. We are proud to be part of the process to spotlight homegrown innovations and sustainable practices across various sectors.” Odu said.
The event will feature the Manufacturer and Designer’s Pavilion, spotlighting collaborations between manufacturers and designers, as well as the Designer’s Pavilion, where 50 individual designers will present new concepts across a variety of design disciplines, including furniture, toys, automotive, and industrial design, reflecting the diversity of Nigeria’s creative landscape.
Interactive spaces will also be a key part of the exhibition, including:
The Maker’s Room, where visitors can witness the design process in action.
The Material Lab, showcasing sustainable material innovations.
The Umbrella Crate Stall, offering a fresh perspective on informal markets.
The Design Den, an exciting platform for designers to pitch ideas to investors, promoting collaboration and industry growth.
A standout feature of the event will be the Titi Lai Lai Showcase, a curated concept store that will present exclusive pieces from renowned Nigerian designers and artists such as Victor Ekpuk, Banke Kuku, Mama Nike, and the Nike Art Gallery. This collaboration will highlight the fusion of art and design, celebrating the use of local materials and the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
Last year’s exhibition by Design Week Lagos, garnered significant attention with groundbreaking collaborations, including AFP by Julius Berger teaming up with Temitope El Shabazz, Woodstyles collaborating with Tosin Oshinowo, TRT Aredo working with Myles Igwebuike, and IO Furniture partnering with Q. These partnerships produced innovative, Made-in-Nigeria designs that pushed the boundaries of local craftsmanship.
Building on that success, the Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 will expand even further, with 25 new collaborations between designers and manufacturers presenting cutting-edge, original works. This year’s exhibition continues to showcase the seamless blend of creative vision and technical expertise, setting a new standard for design excellence in Nigeria.
ZENITH BANK REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO STAFF WELLBEING THROUGH PAY RISE AND PROMOTIONS
One of Africa’s leading financial institutions, Zenith Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to employee welfare by announcing the promotion of over 4,000 staff members and implementing salary increases ranging from 20% to 30% across various employee grades.
This bold initiative, under the leadership of Managing Director/CEO Dame Adaora Umeoji, its aimed at boosting staff morale and productivity.
With over 8,000 employees, this significant investment in human capital reflects Zenith Bank’s belief that its workforce is its most valuable asset. The salary adjustments, effective January 1, 2025, aim to reward performance, alleviate financial pressures, and ensure enhanced customer service delivery. Promotions for top management are also expected as part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to excellence and growth.
Dr. Umeoji emphasized the importance of maintaining a motivated workforce, stating that the bank’s dedication to its employees will translate into superior service experiences for customers. She highlighted the organization’s commitment to setting industry benchmarks through innovative solutions and exceptional service delivery.
Zenith Bank’s continued leadership in the Nigerian financial sector is underscored by numerous awards, including Best Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global Finance and recognition as the Biggest Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in 2024 by The Banker. These accolades complement its reputation for innovation, sustainability, and corporate governance.
By prioritizing employee welfare during challenging times, Zenith Bank not only strengthens its internal operations but also sets a standard for other financial institutions in the region, reinforcing its position as a leader in Africa’s banking landscape.
As a major player in Nigeria’s financial landscape, under its managing director/chief executive officer, Adaora Umeoji, the bank has embraced a holistic approach to growth that integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles with its core business objectives.
At the heart of Zenith Bank’s strategy is a focus on buoying economic inclusion, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and driving technological innovation to enhance customer experiences. The bank’s proactive investments in renewable energy, sports, digital transformation and impactful community initiatives exemplify its dedication to creating long-term value for its stakeholders while addressing global sustainability challenges.
Zenith Bank’s continued success is driven by a combination of strong financial performance and an unwavering commitment to its stakeholders.
Zenith Bank’s growth trajectory is underpinned by a robust expansion strategy. With operations in several countries, including the UK, UAE, China, and most recently, France, the bank continues to expand its geographical footprint.
As usual, the bank’s efforts in 2024 did not unnoticed as the lender clinched several local and international awards in recognition of its outstanding performance.
In 2024, the bank won the Best Bank in Nigeria at the annual Global Finance award in Washington, DC, NY.
The bank also emerged the Biggest Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, 2024 by The Banker; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria 2024 – World Finance; Best Corporate Governance, Nigeria 2024 – World Finance; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria 2024 – International Banker; Bank of the Year, 2024 – Business Day; Retail Bank of the Year, 2024 – Business Day; Bank of the Year 2024- The Banker.
It also clinched the Most Responsible Organization in Africa 2024 – SERAS; Best in Gender Equality & Women Empowerment 2024 – SERAS and Best in Transparency & Reporting 2024 – SERAS
ZENITH BANK WINS COVETED BANK OF THE YEAR AWARD IN THE BANKER AWARDS 2024
Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as ‘Bank of the Year, Nigeria’ in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024. The award, which was announced by The Banker Magazine, Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, during the awards ceremony held in London on December 4, 2024, is in recognition of the bank’s strong management, sound business model and strategy, and approach to sustainability and ESG banking practices.
The Banker’s ‘Bank of the Year’ accolade is among the most coveted and widely regarded award in the banking industry. Often contested by the world’s leading financial institutions, the winners span across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.
Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, said “We are delighted and honored to have been recognized as the Bank of the Year, Nigeria in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2024. This award is a testament to the unwavering trust and loyalty of our esteemed customers, the unparalleled leadership and guidance of the Board and Management as well as the hard work and dedication of our staff. It also reflects our bank’s steadfast commitment to delivering excellent services to our customers and contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. We will continue to invest in innovative technologies, expand our range of products and services, and maintain our commitment to exceptional customer service in order to sustain our position as Nigeria’s Number One Bank.” She lauded the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary role in laying the foundation for a reputable, dominant and globally recognised financial institution known for innovation, superior performance, and the creation of premium value for all stakeholders.
In November 2024, Zenith Bank commissioned its Paris Branch following the granting of the final approval by France’s banking regulator, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR). This is part of the bank’s global expansion strategy, and its commitment to serving clients wherever their businesses are around the world.
Zenith Bank has continued to earn numerous awards, with this latest accolade coming on the heels of several recognitions. These include being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards.
Further recognitions include Best Bank in Nigeria for four years from 2020 to 2024 in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards and Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for 2022, 2023 and 2024 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 as well as Bank of the Year, 2023 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
Zenith Tech Fair 4.0 Concludes with Hackathon Winners Awarded ₦77.5M in Cash Prizes
L-R: Founder/Director, Nistad Limited, Ada Jabaru; Director-General/CEO, NIMC, Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote; Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua; Partner, Africa, AI & Data Leader, Deloitte, Jania Okwechime; Founder & Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR; Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON; Global Expert on AI, Danilo McGarry; Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist, Robin Speculand; and the Honourable Commissioner for Science, Innovation & Technology, Lagos State, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake during the Zenith Tech Fair 4.0 held at Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday.
The Fourth Edition of the Zenith Bank organized Zenith Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 4.0: Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI,” concluded on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event culminated in a highly competitive hackathon, where 10 finalists emerged from over 1,700 contestants to share a total prize pool of ₦77.5 million.
Hackathon Highlights and Winners
Grand Prize Winner: JumpnPass, a self-checkout technology transforming Africa’s retail sector, claimed the top prize of ₦25 million. In addition, they earned a six-week mentorship and incubation program running from December 2024 to February 2025.
First Runner-Up: CreditChek, leveraging AI and open banking for income and credit history verification, secured ₦20 million alongside a mentorship program.
Second Runner-Up: Salad Africa, which integrates credit products for digital platforms, won ₦15 million and mentorship support.
Other Finalists: Regxta, CashAfrica, Middleman, Messenger, Pocketfood, Famasi Africa, and Kitovu each received ₦2.5 million.
Zenith Bank’s Commitment to Innovation
In her welcome address, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, praised Founder and Chairman Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, for his vision in establishing the Zenith Tech Fair. She emphasized the importance of nurturing young innovators, stating,
“This initiative aims to produce the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs. With 70% of Nigeria’s population being youth, this economic asset must be harnessed effectively.”
Dr. Umeoji highlighted innovation as a critical driver for sustaining institutions, stressing that companies failing to innovate risk obsolescence.
Lagos State Governor Advocates Global Business Outlook
His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, underscored the importance of global competitiveness, stating, “We must enhance our products and services to serve not just local but global markets. Platforms like Zenith Tech Fair reassure us of the government’s readiness to support innovative ideas.”
Event Features and Presentations
The fair launched Zenith Bank’s EazyByZenith, a digital wallet aimed at driving financial inclusion. It also showcased cutting-edge advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Financial Intelligence.
Keynote Speaker: Robin Speculand, a global authority on digital strategy, delivered a keynote address titled “Banking Transformation in a Digital World.”
Panel Discussions: Led by Wole Odeyele from Microsoft Inc., the panel featured top industry experts such as Funke Opeke, Dr. Auwal Adam Sa’ad, and Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote.
Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition
The Zenith Bank startup pitch competition fosters innovation across sectors like Embedded Finance, HealthTech, Agritech, and Fintech. The program provides Nigerian startups a platform to showcase groundbreaking ideas and access resources to scale their businesses.
The Zenith Tech Fair 4.0 was hailed as a resounding success, setting the stage for an even bigger Fifth Edition in 2025.
Access Bank Named Only Nigerian Company on Forbes 2024 World’s Best Employers List
Exterior and interior shoot of Access Bank Headquaters in Oniru, Lagos.
In reflection of its dedication to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee empowerment, inclusivity, and gender equity, leading full-service commercial bank, Access Bank PLC has been named as the only Nigerian company on the 2024 World’s Best Employers List by Forbes.
As one of only 13 African companies to receive this distinction amongst the 850 ranked on the list, Access Bank sets a high standard within the African banking industry, underscoring its commitment to equitable growth and opportunities for all.
Access Bank’s leadership expressed pride in the Forbes recognition, viewing it as an affirmation of the institution’s inclusive, growth-oriented environment. Emeka Dibia, Head of Human Resources (Nigeria), commented:
“Our people are the foundation of our success. At Access Bank, we strive to create an environment that nurtures talent, encourages professional growth, and emphasises well-being. This recognition from Forbes reflects our continuous efforts to foster a culture that prioritises our employees’ satisfaction, growth, and long-term potential.”
Forbes, in partnership with market research firm Statista, surveyed over 300,000 employees across more than 50 countries to compile the list. Participants represented multinational companies operating in at least two of the six continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. Employees rated their companies on factors such as salary, talent development, diversity, and remote work options, with additional input drawn from industry knowledge and connections.
Survey responses were analysed and tallied – along with data from the previous three years – with a heavier weight put on the more recent data and on the evaluations from current employees.
ZENITH BANK HOLDS TECH FAIR, ‘FUTURE FORWARD 4.0’, IN LAGOS
The Fourth Edition of the Zenith Bank Tech Fair, tagged “Future Forward 4.0: Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI”, is set to hold on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
The fair will showcase leading technological innovations that cut across Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Compliance, Financial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Communication Technologies, among others. The event will also feature a Start-up Pitch Competition – Zecathon – to identify innovative startups, panel discussions, masterclasses and exhibitions.
Among the rich lineup of activities, the event will feature opening remarks by Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank and a welcome address by Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc. There will also be a goodwill message to be delivered by the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Kashim Shettima and the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu. The keynote address, “Banking Transformation in a Digital World “, will be delivered by Robin Speculand, a renowned Strategy & Digital Implementation Specialist. Other prominent IT practitioners who represent top global brands will make presentations. These include; Danillo McGarry, Global Expert in Digital Transformation & AI; Jania Okwechime, Partner, Africa, AI & Data, Deloitte and Rupert Nicolay, Director, Microsoft Worldwide Financial Services, amongst others.
The panel discussion which has Wole Odeyele, Client Technology Lead for Microsoft Inc. as its host, will feature six discussants including Ada Jabaru, Founder & Director, Nistad Limited; Funke Opeke, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MainOne; Guy Futi, Chief Executive Officer, Orda; Dr Auwal Adam Sa’ad, Founder, ZamzamPay; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General/Chief Executive Officer, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The masterclass will be divided into seven (7) different classes, and facilitated by key industry players that cut across renowned tech giants such as: Microsoft, Oracle, CyberSoc, IBM, Google, Huawei & Amazon Web Services.
To register and participate, visit www.zenithbank.com/techfair. The fair will be live on Zoom and streamed on the bank’s social media pages.
Wema Bank Announces Grand Finale of Hackaholics 5.0: Set to Reward Winners With ₦75 Million Worth of Prizes
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative financial institution and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced the grand finale of the 5th edition of its flagship youth and startup-focused tech competition, Hackaholics.
Launched in 2019, Wema Hackaholics is a groundbreaking initiative designed to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria’s youth, providing them with a platform to turn their tech-driven ideas into reality. The highly anticipated Hackaholics 5.0 grand finale will take place on November 27th, 2024, under the theme, “Meta Idea: Capitalizing Africa’s Growth Through Innovation.” This year’s theme aims to showcase how tech-driven solutions can fuel Africa’s development by tapping into the continent’s growth potential through innovation and digital transformation.
The grand finale will bring together the brightest innovators from universities and tech communities across the country. These innovators will pitch their Digi-Tech solutions designed to solve real-world problems and contribute to Africa’s economic and social progress. The event promises to be the culmination of months of intensive competition, collaboration, and mentorship, providing a platform for youth-led tech ideas to reach new heights.
Announcing the date of the grand finale, Moruf Oseni, MD/CEO of Wema Bank, highlighted the bank’s vision for Hackaholics. “Hackaholics is more than a competition; it is a movement to equip Nigeria’s youth with the skills, networks, and resources needed to drive Africa’s digital transformation. The Meta Idea theme for this year is a call to action for young innovators to think beyond the present and design solutions that will catalyze on Africa’s growth. We are excited to see how our participants envision and build the Africa of tomorrow.”
Speaking on the prizes, the MD/CEO said “At the grand finale, participants will compete for exciting cash prizes, grants, and access to Wema Bank’s extensive network of investors, mentors, and industry experts. The total worth of prizes for this year is ₦75,000,000. The winning team will receive ₦30,000,000, the first runner-up will receive ₦20,000,000 and the second runner-up will receive ₦15,000,000 worth of prizes. Additionally, we will be awarding a special grant of ₦10,000,000 worth of prizes to the female-led team to encourage gender diversity in tech innovation.” He concluded.
Wema Bank’s Hackaholics is a testament to the Bank’s commitment to shaping Africa’s future through innovation and entrepreneurship. Hackaholics 5.0 began with a nationwide call for entries earlier in the year and has engaged over 10,000 aspiring tech innovators and entrepreneurs across Nigeria. With 2,297 applications across 8 physical pitch centers and 1 virtual pitch center, 34 innovators across all locations are set to pitch their ideas at the pre-pitch stage ahead of the grand finale scheduled to hold in Lagos.
Through Hackaholics, Wema Bank has provided a platform for youth to channel their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit into actionable tech solutions that address Africa’s most pressing challenges. Over the years, Hackaholics has grown into one of the largest and most influential tech competitions in Nigeria, impacting thousands of young minds.
The competition not only offers winners cash prizes and grants, but also access to mentorship, industry networks, and resources to help scale their innovations globally. This initiative is a key part of Wema Bank’s broader strategy to harness technology as a driver of socio-economic growth in Africa.
Interested individuals can register to attend the grand finale via https://hackaholics.wemabank.com/grandfinale
