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Wema Bank Sets to Hold Innovation Challenge; Calls for Entries to Pitch Solutions in Agritech, others
Advances in banking and financial technology means more efficient solutions in dealing with the demands of an evolving market.
As a bank marked with an identity of innovation, Wema Bank is a proven incubator of inventions and creative solutions, traits that continue to remain the hallmark of its operations long after its establishment in 1945.
In line with its continuous support for the application of technology to societal problems, especially with the outbreak of the pandemic – COVID-19, Wema Bank sets to hold the second edition of its very own innovation program – Hackaholics 2.0.
However, due to the increasingly sensitive times faced by the world at large as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank has opted to go virtual with this year’s challenge.
This decision was made both in respect to the protocols of social-distancing, as well as serving to highlight the bank’s response and adaptation to the new normal of telecommuting and tele-conferencing.
Wema Bank will remotely pull together teams who have designed solutions for prevailing everyday challenges in these essential areas – Health-tech, Agric tech, Edutech, Financial technology services and Gaming & Betting.
Samuel Omotayo who heads the Innovation team at Wema Bank has this to say about the program; “We are very excited to be hosting another innovation challenge aimed at solving problems in essential areas in a bid to further strengthen technology penetration in solving problems within communities, grow business owners and technology start-ups which would eventually help with the recovery process of the economy from the impact of the pandemic.
We are calling on businesses, creative thinkers, tech enthusiasts, industry specialists and engineers to join us in this quest.”
Wema Bank is excited to be partnering with GreenHouse Capital Africa and Venture Garden Group to bring a highly immersive virtual program focused on supporting early stage fintech start-ups.
They bring with them their collective technical experience in running high level acceleration programs, technology best practices and broad network of investors and partners to ensure that the participants get great benefits and value.
Speaking on the program, Ruby Nimkar, Principal at GreenHouse Capital, said “One thing COVID-19 has proven is the need for technological advancement of our economy, as the pandemic brought virtually all aspects of the economy to a halt.
Even as we continue to see impressive start-ups spring up around the continent, we remain focused on ensuring they get the right support through mentorship, capacity building and investment.”
Ten start-ups each stand a chance of getting up to $4,000 in business support with awesome benefits like access to market, direct link to industry experts, mentor network, access to APIs among other resources.
Business owners, Innovators, and creative thinkers, across Nigeria are all invited to register for the innovation acceleration program by visiting hackaholics.wemabank.com to demo their solutions which speaks to any of the problem areas.
The program can be followed on social media by following the conversations through the hashtag #hackaholics2.0.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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