Zenith Bank empowers 300 schoolgirls through maiden banking on her tomorrow initiative

Zenith Bank Plc has launched the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme tagged Banking on Her Tomorrow, empowering 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 from selected schools across Lagos State.

The programme was held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, and focused on finance and investment, etiquette and personal development, social media ethics, and social relationships.

The initiative was conceived by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON, as part of the bank’s commitment to nurturing young girls and supporting their future aspirations.

In her welcome address, Dame Dr Umeoji encouraged the participants to believe in themselves, remain disciplined, and pursue their ambitions with confidence. She urged the girls to look beyond their current circumstances and envision the future they desire.

She noted that every young girl possesses gifts, talents, and ideas capable of making a global impact, adding that they should not allow gender or age to limit their goals.

Delivering the keynote address, Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, charged the girls to embrace their identity, build resilience, and use their abilities to positively impact others. Using the mangrove tree as a symbol of resilience, she explained that challenges should not define their future and that self-worth goes beyond academic performance.

The event featured interactive and mentorship sessions facilitated by experienced professionals across different fields.

Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and etiquette educator, spoke on confidence, communication, self-presentation, and etiquette.

Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed responsible use of social media, authenticity, and maintaining digital boundaries.

Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo from Zenith Bank introduced the girls to savings culture, responsible money management, and early investment habits.

Nigerian filmmaker and educator Praise Onyeagwalam, also known as Director Pink, led a session on healthy relationships, self-awareness, and effective communication.

The sessions were interactive, allowing the students to ask questions and share experiences relevant to their personal and educational journeys.

The programme also included competitions with cash prizes worth over one million naira awarded to winners. Participants received books to encourage reading culture and personal development. The event featured musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No 11, and was hosted by Temi Badru, public speaker and lawyer, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi as mini host.

In her closing remarks, Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr Mrs Adobi Nwapa, commended the vision of the GMD/CEO for initiating the programme and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sustaining the initiative annually. She thanked the speakers and participants and encouraged the girls to apply the lessons learned.

The Banking on Her Tomorrow programme builds on Zenith Bank’s existing efforts to advance opportunities for women and girls, including its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, Zenith Women’s Basketball League, Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, Pad-a-Queen Initiative, and Z-Woman proposition which supports women-owned businesses with access to credit at discounted rates.

Through this initiative, Zenith Bank is extending its support to a younger generation, equipping schoolgirls with financial knowledge, life skills, and confidence to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society.