Wema Bank has announced November 6, 2026, for the grand finale of its Hackaholics 7.0 innovation programme, with 59 participants competing for recognition after a nationwide search that attracted more than 5,300 participants.
The finale, themed “Festival of the Future,” will bring together technology leaders, startup founders, investors and innovators to showcase emerging technologies and discuss opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The event will also feature the announcement of finalists, innovation showcases and interactive sessions exploring how technology is changing the way people live, work and create.
Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, said the festival was designed to encourage Nigerians to actively shape the future as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies transform industries and everyday life.
He said Hackaholics had evolved beyond a competition into a platform for discovering talent, nurturing ideas and connecting innovators with opportunities.
Launched on July 1, 2026, under the theme “Powering Possibilities,” Hackaholics 7.0 attracted 5,329 participants and 1,632 ideas and solutions through pitch centres in Uyo, Kano, Yaba College of Technology, Benin, Ibadan, Enugu and Lagos.
The programme featured three tracks: Ideathon, for developing promising ideas; Hackathon, for technology developers and builders; and Social Impact, for solutions addressing societal challenges.
Following the nationwide tour, 59 participants emerged from the pitch centres and will be shortlisted to 20 for the pre-pitch session scheduled for November 4.
The participants will also embark on an ecosystem tour on November 5 to engage with institutions and professionals in the technology and innovation sector ahead of the finale.
The grand finale on November 6 will recognise outstanding innovators whose solutions demonstrate potential to address real-world challenges.
Oseni said the bank remained committed to providing young Nigerians with platforms, resources and opportunities to transform ideas into practical solutions, adding that the initiative was aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and supporting economic development.