As Nigeria marked the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Zenith Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering children through initiatives focused on education, financial literacy, healthcare, digital inclusion, and social development across the country.
The bank stated that its Children’s Day efforts go beyond annual celebrations, stressing that children remain central to the future of society and deserve continuous investment and support. According to Zenith Bank, its long-standing programmes are designed to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed and become future leaders.
One of the bank’s major initiatives is its partnership with Kiddies Corner on Inspiration 92.3FM Lagos, which has lasted for more than three years. Zenith Bank sponsors the Tuesday edition and the Zenith Financial Literacy Friday segment of the programme, where children participate in spelling competitions and answer financial literacy questions while learning about savings through the Zenith Children’s Account (ZECA).
The partnership was further highlighted during the Inspiration FM Children’s Day Carnival held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, where the bank hosted more than 1,000 children and parents. The event featured games, drama presentations, and the presentation of branded gifts to winners of the ZECA competition.
Zenith Bank also continues to strengthen financial education through its quarterly Financial Literacy Week programme, which is held in selected schools across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. During the programme, students are taught practical financial management skills including saving, budgeting, and investment basics, while the best-performing student in each participating school receives a cash reward of N50,000.
In addition, the bank’s nationwide Financial Literacy Programme, organised under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Global Money Week initiative, reached 3,622 students in 22 local government areas in 2025. The programme involved 137 volunteer staff members of the bank who served as educators and mentors.
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education, Zenith Bank has also invested in educational infrastructure across Nigeria. These interventions include the donation of modern ICT centres, computer systems, libraries, vocational facilities, and renovation projects in schools.
Among the projects completed by the bank are a Computer Centre at Bamaina Academy in Dutse, Jigawa State, renovations at Ojota Secondary School and Victoria Island Secondary School in Lagos, as well as improvements at Hugallawa Primary School in Jigawa State.
The bank has equally provided direct financial support to educational institutions, including a N1 million donation to Louisville Girls High School, Ijebu-Itele, to support girl-child education. Other interventions include upgrades at Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, a N1 million scholarship endowment for St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, and support for the North-East Children’s Fund aimed at helping children in conflict-affected communities continue their education.
Zenith Bank noted that its healthcare interventions also incorporate financial education. Through its Primary Healthcare Centre Initiative across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, parents are educated on the importance of early childhood savings during routine health visits.
The bank’s “PAD-A-QUEEN” initiative, organised to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, has also impacted 5,000 girls in 10 schools by providing sanitary pads, hygiene kits, and menstrual health education aimed at keeping girls in school and promoting gender equality.
Beyond education and healthcare, Zenith Bank has continued to support vulnerable children through donations and outreach programmes. At Bethesda Home and School for the Blind in Idi Oro, Lagos, the bank donated braille materials, food items, and toiletries.
To commemorate the 2026 International Day for Street Children, Zenith Bank partnered with Bosco Child Protection Centre to provide medical care, food, clothing, and counselling for street children. The bank also sustains annual Christmas charity visits to orphanages, distributing toys, cash gifts, and essential supplies.
In addition, the bank supports the Smile and Shine Children Foundation’s Strive Conference, which has empowered more than 2,000 adolescents through leadership and life skills training programmes.
Speaking on the bank’s commitment to children, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Adaora Umeoji, said the bank remains intentional about investing in children because they represent both the future and present responsibility of society.
She explained that the bank’s investments in education, financial literacy, healthcare, and digital inclusion are aimed at equipping children early with the tools needed to lead and succeed in life.
Zenith Bank also highlighted its Annual Youth Parade, which has been held consistently for 19 years as one of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. The event brings together thousands of children and teenagers annually to promote unity, discipline, teamwork, and leadership development among Nigerian youths.
According to the bank, Children’s Day represents more than a yearly celebration, describing it as a continuous commitment to protecting, empowering, and preparing Nigerian children for a brighter future.
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