Zenith Bank Plc has empowered 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 through the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, tagged “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” aimed at equipping young girls with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to achieve their ambitions.
The programme, held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together students from selected schools across the state for a day of learning, mentorship and personal development.
The initiative, conceived by the bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, was designed to help young girls make informed decisions about their education, finances, relationships and future careers.
Participants received training on financial literacy and investment, personal development, etiquette, responsible social media use, healthy relationships and effective communication.
Speaking at the event, Umeoji encouraged the girls to believe in their abilities, pursue their dreams and remain focused and disciplined in their chosen paths.
She urged the participants not to allow their age, gender or present circumstances to limit their ambitions, stressing that young girls possess the talents and ideas needed to make meaningful contributions to society.
According to her, the girls should identify their interests, explore their potential and give their best to whatever career or ambition they choose to pursue.
She also challenged them to look beyond their current situations and develop a clear vision of the women they hope to become in the future.
Delivering the keynote address, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Her Majesty Olori Atuwatse III, urged the participants to embrace their identities, develop resilience and use their talents to make a positive difference in their communities.
Using the mangrove tree as a symbol of strength and resilience, she explained that challenges should not determine the girls’ futures or diminish their sense of self-worth.
She also reminded them that their value goes beyond academic performance and societal expectations, encouraging them to build confidence, remain resilient during difficult times and discover their purpose by helping others.
The programme featured interactive sessions facilitated by professionals and accomplished personalities from different fields.
Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and a modern etiquette educator, spoke on confidence, communication, personal presentation and appropriate social conduct.
Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, educated the participants on responsible social media use, authenticity and the importance of maintaining healthy digital boundaries.
Representatives of Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo, introduced the girls to the fundamentals of saving, responsible money management and investment. They highlighted the importance of developing sound financial habits from an early age.
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 allowed the girls to ask questions, share their experiences and engage directly with the facilitators on issues affecting their personal lives, education and future aspirations.
Beyond the educational sessions, the event featured competitions, with cash prizes worth more than ₦1 million presented to winners. Participants also received books to encourage reading, learning and personal growth.
Musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added entertainment to the programme, which was hosted by public speaker, communications coach and lawyer Temi Badru, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as the mini-host.
Delivering the closing remarks, Zenith Bank’s Executive Director, Dr. Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, said the initiative reflected Umeoji’s commitment to promoting the development and empowerment of young girls.
Nwapa explained that the programme was conceived and championed by the bank’s GMD/CEO as part of efforts to create opportunities for girls to develop their potential and prepare for future leadership roles.
She noted that the bank intended to sustain the initiative as an annual programme, adding that its commitment to the girl child would extend beyond the maiden edition.
Nwapa also appreciated the speakers and participants for contributing to the success of the event and encouraged the girls to put the lessons they had learnt into practice.
She urged them to remain confident, pursue their goals with determination and use their knowledge and abilities to contribute positively to society.
The new initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding efforts to promote opportunities for women and girls through several programmes and partnerships.
These include its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards organised in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the 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 a younger generation by providing schoolgirls with practical knowledge, mentorship and confidence to navigate challenges and pursue their ambitions.
The bank said the initiative would continue as an annual programme, reinforcing its commitment to helping young girls realise their potential and become responsible leaders and contributors to their communities and society at large.
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