Susan Abayomi
Wema Bank has announced November 6, 2026, as the date for the grand finale of its flagship innovation programme, Hackaholics 7.0, with this year’s event themed “Festival of the Future.”
The grand finale is expected to bring together technology experts, innovators, startup founders, investors and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem to celebrate creativity, technological advancement and emerging opportunities.
The event will also feature the unveiling of this year’s Hackaholics finalists, alongside innovation exhibitions, interactive sessions and discussions on how emerging technologies are transforming businesses, industries and everyday life.
According to the bank, the Festival of the Future is designed to extend beyond a conventional innovation competition by providing participants with opportunities to explore emerging technologies, showcase creative solutions, connect with industry leaders and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future.
The occasion will also recognise outstanding innovators whose ideas have demonstrated the potential to address societal challenges and deliver meaningful impact.
Speaking on the initiative, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said the concept reflects the bank’s commitment to creating opportunities and encouraging Nigerians to play an active role in shaping the future.
He noted that rapid technological developments, particularly in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, are creating new possibilities across industries and everyday activities.
Oseni explained that the Festival of the Future was conceived to bring innovation closer to people, encourage meaningful discussions and inspire fresh perspectives on how society will live, work and create in the coming years.
Reaffirming the bank’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians, he said Hackaholics had evolved beyond a competition into a platform for identifying talents, developing innovative ideas and connecting young innovators with opportunities.
According to him, the initiative continues to provide young Nigerians with the resources, support and exposure needed to transform creative ideas into practical solutions.
Launched on July 1, 2026, under the theme “Powering Possibilities,” Hackaholics 7.0 began with a nationwide pitch centre tour aimed at identifying and supporting innovative ideas from young people across the country.
The four-month initiative attracted 5,329 participants and generated 1,632 innovative ideas and solutions through pitch centres in seven locations: Uyo, Kano, Yaba College of Technology, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos.
The programme featured three categories: Ideathon, Hackathon and Social Impact, providing opportunities for students, graduates, developers, technology enthusiasts and social innovators to present solutions to challenges across different sectors.
While the Ideathon focused on developing promising ideas, the Hackathon provided a platform for technology developers to showcase their solutions. The Social Impact category, on the other hand, recognised innovations designed to deliver measurable benefits to society.
At the end of the nationwide tour, 59 participants emerged from the various centres.
The bank disclosed that the 59 participants would undergo another selection process, with 20 finalists expected to advance to the Pre-Pitch scheduled for November 4, 2026, where they will present improved versions of their solutions.
On November 5, participants will embark on an Ecosystem Tour organised by Wema Bank, offering them the opportunity to visit leading institutions within the technology and innovation sector, interact with industry professionals and gain practical insights ahead of the final event.
The programme will reach its climax on November 6 at the Festival of the Future, where outstanding innovators will be recognised and celebrated.
Through Hackaholics, Wema Bank continues to strengthen its support for entrepreneurship, technological innovation and youth empowerment, while creating opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute to national development.
