By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
Wema Bank has announced November 6, 2026, as the date for the grand finale of Hackaholics 7.0, its flagship innovation and entrepreneurship platform, with this year’s edition themed “Festival of the Future.”
The grand finale will bring together innovators, technology leaders, startup founders, investors and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem to celebrate creativity, technology and emerging opportunities shaping the future.
The event will feature the unveiling of this year’s Hackaholics finalists, innovation showcases, interactive experiences and discussions on how emerging technologies are transforming the way people live, work, build and create.
Beyond a conventional innovation competition, the Festival of the Future is designed to provide participants and attendees with opportunities to experience emerging technologies, discover innovative solutions, connect with industry leaders and explore the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The event will also recognise outstanding innovators whose ideas demonstrate the potential to address real-world challenges and deliver meaningful impact.
Speaking on the initiative, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said the Festival of the Future reflects the bank’s commitment to creating opportunities and encouraging Nigerians to play active roles in shaping the future.
He noted that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies were transforming industries, businesses and everyday life, making it necessary for individuals and organisations to prepare for the changes ahead.
According to him, the concept is designed to bring innovation closer to people, stimulate meaningful conversations and encourage fresh thinking about the future.
Oseni reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting young Nigerian innovators, noting that Hackaholics had evolved beyond a competition into a platform for identifying talents, developing ideas and connecting innovators with opportunities.
He said the bank remained committed to providing young Nigerians with the resources, support and opportunities required to transform their ideas into practical solutions.
Launched on July 1, 2026, under the theme “Powering Possibilities,” Hackaholics 7.0 commenced with a nationwide pitch centre tour aimed at discovering and supporting innovative ideas from young Nigerians across the country.
The four-month programme attracted 5,329 participants and generated 1,632 innovative ideas and solutions, with pitch centres established in seven locations: Uyo, Kano, Yaba College of Technology, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos.
The initiative featured three categories: Ideathon, Hackathon and Social Impact. While the Ideathon focused on developing promising ideas, the Hackathon provided opportunities for technology developers and builders to showcase their solutions. The Social Impact category recognised innovations designed to deliver measurable benefits to society.
At the end of the nationwide tour, 59 participants emerged from the various pitch centres.
The 59 participants will undergo a further selection process to produce 20 finalists, who will present refined versions of their solutions at the Pre-Pitch scheduled for November 4, 2026.
On November 5, the participants will embark on an ecosystem tour organised by Wema Bank. The tour will provide opportunities to visit leading institutions in the technology and innovation sector, interact with industry professionals and gain practical insights ahead of the grand finale.
The programme will climax on November 6 with the Festival of the Future, where outstanding innovators will be recognised and celebrated.
Through Hackaholics, Wema Bank continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting innovation, supporting entrepreneurship and empowering young Nigerians to contribute to national economic development.
Tags: Wema Bank, Hackaholics, Nigerian Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Technology.
