Zenith Bank Plc has trained 300 schoolgirls in Lagos on financial literacy, career development, healthy relationships and responsible social media use as part of efforts to prepare them for future opportunities and challenges.
The training was organised under the maiden edition of the bank’s Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, tagged “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The participants, aged between 13 and 17, were drawn from selected schools across the state and received practical lessons on saving, investment, personal development, etiquette, communication and social interactions.
The initiative was conceived by Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame Adaora Umeoji, who urged the girls to believe in their abilities, pursue their ambitions and refuse to allow societal expectations to limit their dreams.
Addressing the participants, Umeoji said the girls possessed talents and ideas capable of making a difference in the world.
“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.
She encouraged them to explore their interests, remain disciplined and take responsibility for shaping their futures, regardless of their age or gender.
“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.
The Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, who delivered the keynote address, urged the schoolgirls to embrace their identities, build resilience and use their abilities to positively influence others.
Using the mangrove tree as a symbol of strength and survival, she explained that challenges should not determine the girls’ futures or define their self-worth.
“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,” she said.
The programme featured sessions led by professionals and personalities who addressed issues relevant to the girls’ personal, educational and social development.
Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and modern etiquette educator, spoke on confidence, communication, personal presentation and etiquette.
Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, addressed responsible social media use, authenticity and digital boundaries, highlighting the need for young people to make informed choices about their online presence.
Representatives of Zenith Bank, Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo, introduced the participants to saving, responsible money management and investment, stressing the importance of developing sound financial habits early in life.
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 interactive discussions, allowing the girls to ask questions and engage the speakers on issues affecting their experiences and aspirations.
The event also included competitions in which winners received cash prizes totalling more than ₦1 million. Books were distributed to encourage reading and personal growth, while musical performances by singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added entertainment to the programme.
The event was hosted by lawyer, public speaker and communications coach Temi Badru, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host.
In her closing remarks, Zenith Bank Executive Director, Dr Adobi Nwapa, said the programme reflected Umeoji’s commitment to empowering the girl-child and would continue as an annual initiative.
According to her, the bank’s leadership believes in creating opportunities for girls to develop their potential and become confident women capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
Nwapa thanked the speakers and participants for their contributions and urged the girls to put the lessons learnt into practice as they pursue their ambitions.
The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s existing programmes supporting women and girls, including 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 assistance and access to credit at discounted rates.
Through “Banking on Her Tomorrow,” the bank is extending its empowerment drive to younger girls, focusing on financial knowledge, personal development and the confidence needed to make informed decisions about their education, relationships and future careers.
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