Zenith Bank has empowered 300 girls with financial literacy and mentorship in Lagos.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Zenith Bank Plc has empowered 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 through the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, themed “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” aimed at equipping young girls with financial knowledge, confidence and practical life skills.
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.
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The initiative featured sessions on finance and investment, etiquette and personal development, social media ethics, and social relationships and interactions, providing participants with practical insights to support their educational, personal and future career journeys.
Conceived by Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to nurturing young girls and helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
Zenith Bank CEO Urges Girls to Pursue Their Ambitions
In her welcome address, Umeoji encouraged the participants to believe in their abilities, pursue their ambitions and remain focused and disciplined in their chosen paths.
Drawing attention to the achievements of young girls across different fields, she challenged the participants to look beyond their present circumstances and envision the women they aspire 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.
The Zenith Bank chief executive also urged the girls to explore their interests and resist societal limitations, stressing the importance of taking ownership 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 added.
Olori Atuwatse III Highlights Resilience, Self-Worth
Delivering the keynote address, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, encouraged the participants to embrace their identities, develop resilience and use their abilities to make positive contributions to society.
Using the mangrove tree as a metaphor for resilience, she explained that challenges should not define the girls’ futures and that their worth extends beyond academic results and 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,” Olori Atuwatse III said.
Her address reinforced the programme’s focus on self-awareness, confidence, personal responsibility and the importance of developing a strong sense of purpose from an early age.
Experts Lead Sessions on Financial Literacy, Digital Safety
The programme featured interactive sessions led by professionals and personalities from the finance, entertainment, education and personal development sectors.
Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and modern etiquette educator, spoke on confidence, communication, self-presentation and etiquette, highlighting how these skills can help young girls navigate personal and professional environments.
Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed responsible social media use, authenticity and digital boundaries, encouraging participants to approach online interactions thoughtfully.
Representing Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo introduced the girls to saving, responsible money management and investment, emphasising the importance of building sound financial habits early in life.
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 featured opportunities for participants to ask questions and interact with the speakers on issues relevant to their experiences, aspirations and personal development.
Zenith Bank Awards Over ₦1m in Competition Prizes
Beyond the educational sessions, the event featured competitions, with cash prizes totalling more than ₦1 million awarded to winners.
Participants also received books to encourage reading, learning and personal growth.
Musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the event’s atmosphere, while public speaker, communications coach and lawyer Temi Badru hosted the programme, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host.
The combination of educational sessions, interactive activities and entertainment was designed to make the programme engaging while reinforcing its central message of empowerment and personal growth.
Zenith Bank Promises Annual Girl-Child Empowerment Programme
Delivering the closing remarks, Zenith Bank Executive Director, Dr. Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, highlighted Umeoji’s vision for the initiative and the bank’s commitment to sustaining its 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,” Nwapa said.
She thanked the speakers and participants for contributing to the programme’s success, encouraging the girls to apply the lessons learnt, remain confident and pursue their aspirations with determination.
According to the bank, the initiative will continue as an annual programme aimed at supporting the development and aspirations of young girls.
Zenith Bank Expands Women and Girls Empowerment Initiatives
The Banking on Her Tomorrow programme builds on Zenith Bank’s existing initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for women and girls.
These include 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 support and access to credit at discounted rates.
By extending its empowerment efforts to younger participants, Zenith Bank is seeking to introduce girls to financial literacy, responsible digital engagement, personal development and mentorship at an important stage of their lives.
Through the initiative, the bank aims to equip the next generation with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society.
