Access Bank Group, UNICEF Unveil Commitment to Africa

• Access Bank Group, UNICEF Unveil Commitment to Africa

Access Bank Group, along with fifth Chukker, The Access Bank UK, and Access Private Bank hosted the 10th annual ‘Access Bank Polo Day’ at the Guards Polo Club, Windsor.

The annual event is part of its continued support of UNICEF and the climax to the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament, celebrating a decade of commitment to UNICEF projects and aimed at reaching out to and highlighting the plight of vulnerable children and orphans and internationally displaced persons.

From its base with fifth Chukker in Kaduna, Nigeria, the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield has grown to be the biggest charity polo tournament in Africa and generates interest and support from organisations and individuals across Africa for the UNICEF/Access initiative.

Since the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative was started in 2007, it has seen the rebuilding of two schools in Kaduna and more than 8,000 students sustained in continuous education, at the same time developing new school blocks and a computer literacy building all in a more secure and friendly school environment. The communities surrounding the schools are being supported with bore-holes for water, and sewing and grinding machines to secure employment and stimulate economic and social development.

Access Bank PLC group managing director and chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd, Herbert Wigwe explained the reasons behind the Bank’s continued support for the Fifth Chukker UNICEF initiative. He said: “We are conscious of our role as a change agent in Nigeria that can help institute socio-economic development through responsible business practice and environmental conside-rations.

“In addition, we are continually seeking ways through which more resources can be pooled towards supporting the children. We are part of the community and as such should support its wellbeing.”

The UK event which is the culmination of the tournament was organised by The Access Bank UK Limited which has just published its Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2016.