By Ayomide Otitoju
Zenith Bank Plc has launched its maiden Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” for 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 from selected schools across Lagos State.
The programme, held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, featured sessions on financial literacy, investment, etiquette, personal development, social media ethics and healthy relationships.
The initiative, conceived by the bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame Adaora Umeoji, aims to equip young girls with practical knowledge and skills to support their education, personal development and future careers.
In her welcome address, Umeoji urged the participants to believe in their abilities, pursue their ambitions and remain focused and disciplined. She encouraged them to explore their interests and avoid allowing their age or gender to limit their aspirations.
She said the girls had the potential to make meaningful contributions to society through their talents, ideas and determination.
Delivering the keynote address, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, urged the participants to embrace their identities, build resilience and use their abilities to positively impact others.
Using the mangrove tree as a metaphor for resilience, she reminded the girls that life’s challenges should not determine their future and that their worth extends beyond academic performance and external expectations.
The programme featured interactive sessions led by professionals and public figures. Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School, spoke on confidence, communication and etiquette, while actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed responsible social media use and digital boundaries.
Zenith Bank representatives Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo led a session on saving, money management and investment. Filmmaker and educator Praise Onyeagwalam, also known as Director Pink, discussed healthy relationships, self-awareness and effective communication.
Participants engaged with the speakers through questions and discussions on issues affecting their lives and future aspirations.
The event also featured competitions, with cash prizes totalling more than ₦1 million awarded to winners. Participants received books to encourage reading and personal growth, while musical performances by singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added to the programme.
In her closing remarks, Zenith Bank Executive Director, Adobi Nwapa, said the initiative reflected the bank’s commitment to supporting girls beyond the event and would continue as an annual programme.
She encouraged the participants to apply the lessons learnt, remain confident and pursue their goals with determination.
The initiative builds on the bank’s existing women-focused programmes, including its International Women’s Day Seminar, Zenith Women’s Basketball League, Women of Honour Awards, 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 said it seeks to extend its empowerment efforts to younger girls by providing them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions and contribute to society.
