Zenith Bank Plc has launched the maiden version of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, themed “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” bringing collectively 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 from chosen faculties throughout Lagos for a day of studying, mentorship and private improvement.
Held on Monday, October 12, 2026, on the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the programme featured periods on finance and funding, etiquette and private improvement, social media ethics, and social relationships and interactions, equipping individuals with sensible information and abilities for his or her private, academic and future profession journeys.
The initiative, a brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, displays Zenith Bank’s commitment to nurturing the potential of younger ladies and serving to them make knowledgeable decisions about their futures.
In her welcome tackle, Dame (Dr.) Umeoji urged the individuals to consider of their talents, pursue their ambitions and stay targeted and disciplined. Drawing on examples of younger ladies who’ve achieved outstanding feats, she challenged them to look past their current circumstances and envision the ladies they aspire to grow to be.
“To all my amazing young ladies here today, each of you possesses gifts, talents, and ideas that are capable of revolutionising the world. You can revolutionise the world with your ideas,” she mentioned.
The GMD/CEO additional inspired the ladies to discover their pursuits and resist societal limitations, stressing the significance of taking possession of their futures.
“Never allow gender or age to limit your goals. Whatever interests you today, explore it. Whatever you choose to pursue in life, give it your best shot,” she mentioned.
Delivering the keynote tackle, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, inspired the ladies to embrace their identities, develop resilience and use their talents to make a constructive distinction within the lives of others.
Using the mangrove tree as a metaphor for resilience, she reminded the individuals that challenges needn’t outline their futures and that their price extends past educational outcomes and exterior expectations.
“Every time you affirm the truth about who you are, you are building confidence. Every time the tide of life goes out and you are still standing, you are building resilience. And every time you use your gifts for another person, you are discovering your purpose,” Olori Atuwatse III mentioned.
The programme featured interactive periods led by completed professionals and personalities:
Ayanime Edem, founding father of The Elite Finishing School and fashionable etiquette educator, mentioned confidence, communication, self-presentation and etiquette.
Nigerian actress and content material creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly often known as Kie Kie, addressed accountable social media use, authenticity and digital boundaries.
Representing Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo launched the ladies to saving, accountable cash administration and funding, highlighting the significance of creating sound monetary habits early.
While Nigerian filmmaker, inventive government and educator, Praise Onyeagwalam, Director Pink, led a session on wholesome relationships, self-awareness and efficient communication.
The periods inspired energetic participation, giving the ladies alternatives to ask questions and have interaction with the audio system on points related to their experiences and aspirations.
The programme additionally featured competitions, with money prizes totalling over ₦1 million awarded to winners. The individuals obtained books to encourage studying and private development, whereas musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the energetic ambiance. The occasion was hosted by Temi Badru, public speaker, communications coach and lawyer, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host.
Delivering the closing remarks, Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, highlighted the GMD/CEO’s imaginative and prescient for the initiative and the Bank’s commitment to sustaining its affect.
“The programme is the vision of our GMD/CEO, who conceived and championed it, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the empowerment of the girl child. Through her leadership, she has shown the girls what is possible when a woman dares to lead. At Zenith Bank, our commitment to the girl child extends beyond today, and we will continue to nurture their aspirations through this annual initiative,” she mentioned.
Dr. Nwapa thanked the audio system and individuals for contributing to the programme’s success and inspired the ladies to apply the teachings learnt, stay assured and pursue their aspirations with willpower.
The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding commitment to advancing alternatives for ladies and ladies by means of programmes together with its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the Pad-a-Queen Initiative and Z-Woman, which helps women-owned companies by means of enterprise assist and entry to credit score at discounted charges.
Through “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” Zenith Bank is extending this commitment to a youthful era, equipping ladies with the information, abilities and confidence to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society.
