Hackaholics 7.0: Wema Bank Unveils ‘Festival of the Future’, Fixes Grand Finale for November 6
Wema Bank has fixed November 6, 2026, for the grand finale of the seventh edition of its flagship innovation programme, Hackaholics, unveiling “Festival of the Future” as the theme for the highly anticipated event.
The grand finale will assemble young innovators, technology experts, investors, startup founders and other stakeholders to explore emerging technologies, showcase groundbreaking ideas and discuss opportunities within Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The bank said the event would feature innovation exhibitions, interactive sessions and conversations on the impact of technology on the future of work, business and society, alongside the recognition of outstanding participants.
Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said the theme reflects the bank’s determination to encourage Nigerians to become active participants in building the future rather than merely anticipating technological changes.
Oseni observed that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies was reshaping industries and creating opportunities that require adequate preparation and innovative thinking.
He said the Festival of the Future was designed to bring innovation closer to the public while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The Wema Bank chief executive further explained that the Hackaholics initiative had continued to grow beyond a competition, serving as a platform for discovering talented Nigerians, developing promising ideas and connecting innovators to opportunities.
He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to building an enabling environment where young Nigerians could turn their creativity and innovative ideas into solutions capable of addressing real-life challenges.
Hackaholics 7.0 was officially launched on July 1, 2026, with the theme “Powering Possibilities” and began with a nationwide pitch centre tour covering seven locations across Nigeria.
The exercise attracted 5,329 participants and produced 1,632 innovative ideas and solutions from Uyo, Kano, Yabatech, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos.
Participants competed across three major tracks: Ideathon, Hackathon and Social Impact, providing opportunities for students, graduates, developers, technology enthusiasts and social innovators to present solutions in different fields.
Following the completion of the nationwide pitch activities, 59 participants emerged as successful candidates.
The next phase will see the 59 participants reduced to 20 finalists, who will defend and present improved versions of their innovations at the Pre-Pitch event on November 4.
The finalists will also participate in an Ecosystem Tour on November 5, visiting leading institutions within the technology and innovation industry to interact with professionals and gain valuable insights.
The activities will reach their climax on November 6 at the Festival of the Future, where the best innovators will be honoured.
Through the Hackaholics programme, Wema Bank continues to strengthen its role in promoting youth entrepreneurship, technological advancement and innovation-driven economic growth in Nigeria.
