Zenith Bank Plc has empowered 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 through its maiden Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, designed to equip young girls with financial knowledge, personal development skills and confidence to pursue their aspirations.
The programme, themed “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” was held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together students from selected schools across the state for mentorship, learning and interactive sessions.
The initiative, conceived by the bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, focused on financial literacy, investment, etiquette, social media ethics, healthy relationships and personal development.
Speaking at the event, Umeoji encouraged the participants to believe in their abilities, explore their interests and remain focused on achieving their goals, regardless of societal expectations or limitations.
She challenged the girls to look beyond their present circumstances and envision the women they aspire to become, stressing that age and gender should not prevent them from pursuing their ambitions.
“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 said.
The Zenith Bank chief executive urged the students to take responsibility for their futures and give their chosen pursuits their best efforts.
“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 added.
Delivering the keynote address, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, encouraged the participants to embrace their identities, develop resilience and use their talents to make positive contributions to society.
Using the mangrove tree as a metaphor for resilience, she explained that challenges should not determine the girls’ futures, adding that their worth should not be measured solely by academic performance or external 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,” she said.
The programme featured interactive sessions led by professionals and personalities who shared practical insights on issues affecting young girls.
Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and modern etiquette educator, spoke on confidence, communication, personal presentation and etiquette.
Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed responsible social media use, authenticity and the importance of maintaining healthy digital boundaries.
Representatives of Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo, introduced the participants to saving, responsible money management and investment, highlighting the importance of cultivating sound financial habits early in life.
Similarly, Nigerian filmmaker, creative executive and educator Praise Onyeagwalam, popularly known as Director Pink, led a session on healthy relationships, self-awareness and effective communication.
The sessions encouraged active participation, allowing the students to ask questions and engage with the facilitators on issues relevant to their personal experiences and future ambitions.
The event also featured competitions, with cash prizes totalling more than ₦1 million awarded to winners. Participants received books to promote reading and personal growth, while musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the activities.
The programme was hosted by lawyer, public speaker and communications coach Temi Badru, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host.
In her closing remarks, Executive Director of Zenith Bank, Dr. Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, said the initiative reflected Umeoji’s commitment to advancing the development and empowerment of the girl child.
She explained that the bank intended to sustain the programme as an annual initiative, encouraging participants to apply the lessons learnt and remain determined in pursuing their aspirations.
“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,” Nwapa said.
“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 added.
Nwapa thanked the speakers and participants for contributing to the programme’s success and urged the girls to remain confident, make responsible choices and pursue their ambitions.
The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s existing women-focused programmes, including 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 supports women-owned businesses through business development assistance and access to credit at discounted rates.
Through “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” the bank is extending its empowerment efforts to younger girls, with a focus on equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to navigate future challenges, realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society.
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