Zenith Bank Supports School Girls with New Empowerment Program

Zenith Bank Plc has started its first Girl-Child Empowerment Programme called "Banking on Her Tomorrow." This event brought together 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 from different schools in Lagos for a day filled with learning, mentorship, and personal growth.

The event took place on Monday, 12 October 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. It included sessions on finance and investment, etiquette and personal development, social media ethics, and building relationships. These sessions aimed to give the girls useful knowledge and skills for their personal lives, education, and future careers.

This initiative was created by the Bank’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr Adaora Umeoji. It shows Zenith Bank’s dedication to helping young girls reach their potential. The program aims to help them make smart choices about their futures.

In her welcome speech, Dr Umeoji encouraged the girls to believe in themselves, chase their dreams, and stay focused and disciplined. She shared stories of young girls who have achieved great things. She urged them to look beyond their current situations and think about the women they want to become.

"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.

Dr Umeoji also pushed the girls to follow their passions and not let society hold them back. She stressed the need to take charge 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 said.

The keynote speaker, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, encouraged the girls to accept who they are, be resilient, and use their skills to make a positive impact on others.

She used the mangrove tree as an example of resilience. She reminded the girls that challenges do not have to shape their futures and that their worth is more than just grades or what others expect.

"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 said.

The program included interactive sessions led by successful professionals and personalities. Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School, talked about confidence, communication, and etiquette.

Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, known as Kie Kie, spoke about using social media responsibly and setting boundaries online. Representatives from Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo, taught the girls about saving, managing money, and investing.

Nigerian filmmaker Praise Onyeagwalam, Director Pink, led a session on healthy relationships, self-awareness, and communication.

The sessions encouraged the girls to participate actively. They could ask questions and engage with the speakers on topics that matter to them. The program also included competitions, with cash prizes totaling over ₦1 million for the winners.

Participants received books to promote reading and personal growth. Musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the fun atmosphere. The event was hosted by Temi Badru, a public speaker and lawyer, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as the mini host.

In her closing remarks, Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr Adobi Nwapa, highlighted the vision behind the initiative and the Bank’s commitment to its ongoing impact.

"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 said.

Dr Nwapa thanked the speakers and participants for making the program successful. She encouraged the girls to use the lessons learned, stay confident, and chase their goals with determination.

This initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s long-standing effort to create opportunities for women and girls. They have other programs like the annual International Women’s Day Seminar, the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, and the Pad-a-Queen Initiative.

Through "Banking on Her Tomorrow," Zenith Bank is reaching out to younger girls. They want to equip them with the skills and confidence to follow their dreams and contribute positively to their communities.