Extremely Vision
Susan Abayomi
Zenith Bank Plc has empowered 300 schoolgirls from selected schools across Lagos through the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, designed to equip young girls with essential life skills, financial knowledge and confidence to pursue their ambitions.
The programme, themed “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” was held on October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together girls aged 13 to 17 for a day of learning, mentorship and personal development.
The initiative was conceived by the bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adaora Umeoji, as part of efforts to nurture the potential of young girls and prepare them to make informed decisions about their education, careers and future.
Speaking at the event, Umeoji encouraged the participants to believe in their abilities, remain focused on their goals and resist limitations imposed by age or gender. She urged them to explore their interests and develop their talents to make meaningful contributions to society.
Delivering the keynote address, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, encouraged the girls to embrace their identities, build resilience and recognise their individual worth beyond academic achievements and external expectations.
She used the mangrove tree as a symbol of resilience, highlighting the importance of maintaining confidence in the face of challenges and using personal talents to positively influence others.
The programme featured interactive sessions led by professionals and notable personalities covering financial literacy, etiquette, personal development, responsible social media use and healthy relationships.
Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School, spoke on confidence, communication, self-presentation and etiquette, while Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed responsible social media use, authenticity and maintaining appropriate digital boundaries.
Representatives of Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo, educated the participants on saving, responsible money management and investment, encouraging them to develop sound financial habits from an early age.
Filmmaker, creative executive and educator Praise Onyeagwalam, popularly known as Director Pink, led a session on self-awareness, healthy relationships and effective communication.
The sessions encouraged active participation, allowing the schoolgirls to ask questions and engage with the facilitators on issues affecting their personal development and future aspirations.
The event also featured competitions, with cash prizes totalling over ₦1 million awarded to winners. Participants received books to encourage reading and personal growth, while musical performances by singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the programme.
The event was hosted by public speaker, communications coach and lawyer Temi Badru, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host.
In her closing remarks, Zenith Bank Executive Director, Dr Adobi Nwapa, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sustaining the initiative as an annual programme.
She noted that the initiative reflected the vision of the bank’s chief executive to support the development of young girls and encourage them to pursue their ambitions with confidence and determination.
According to the bank, the programme builds on its existing women-focused initiatives, including the annual International Women’s Day Seminar, Zenith Women’s Basketball League, Women of Honour Awards organised in partnership with the Ford Foundation, Pad-a-Queen Initiative and Z-Woman, which supports women-owned businesses through business assistance and access to credit at discounted rates.
Through “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” Zenith Bank is extending its empowerment efforts to younger generations by providing opportunities for financial education, mentorship and personal development.
The initiative underscores the importance of equipping girls with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to navigate challenges, make informed choices and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society.
