Zenith Bank Plc has launched its maiden Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, bringing together 300 schoolgirls aged between 13 and 17 from selected schools across Lagos for a day of mentorship, learning, and personal development.

The programme, themed “Banking on Her Tomorrow”, was held on Monday, 12 October 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It featured sessions on finance and investment, etiquette, personal development, responsible social media use, and interpersonal relationships, designed to equip participants with practical skills for their education, personal growth, and future careers.

The initiative was conceived by the bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, as part of Zenith Bank’s commitment to nurturing young girls and empowering them to make informed decisions about their futures.

In her welcome address, Dr. Umeoji encouraged the participants to believe in their abilities, pursue their ambitions, and remain focused and disciplined.

Drawing on examples of young girls who had achieved remarkable feats, she challenged them to look beyond their circumstances and imagine the women they hoped 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 bank chief also urged the girls to explore their interests, challenge societal limitations, and take responsibility for shaping 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 said.

Delivering the keynote address, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, encouraged the girls to embrace their identities, develop resilience, and use their abilities to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Using the mangrove tree as a metaphor for resilience, she reminded the participants that adversity need not determine their futures and that their worth extended beyond academic performance and societal 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.

The programme featured interactive sessions facilitated by professionals from different fields.

Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School and an educator in modern etiquette, spoke on confidence, communication, self-presentation, and etiquette.

Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, discussed responsible social media use, authenticity, and the importance of maintaining healthy digital boundaries.

Zenith Bank representatives Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo introduced participants to saving, responsible money management, and investment, emphasising the benefits of cultivating sound financial habits from an early age.

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 encouraged active participation, allowing the girls to ask questions and engage directly with speakers on issues affecting their lives and aspirations.

The event also featured competitions, with winners receiving cash prizes totalling more than ₦1 million.

Participants received books to promote reading and personal development, while musical performances by Nigerian singers Qing Madi and No. 11 added entertainment to the programme.

Public speaker, communications coach, and lawyer Temi Badru hosted the event, assisted by Darasimi Destiny Nadi as mini-host.

In her closing remarks, Zenith Bank Executive Director Dr. Adobi Nwapa highlighted Dr. Umeoji’s vision for the initiative and reaffirmed 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,” she said.

Dr. Nwapa thanked the speakers and participants for contributing to the programme’s success and encouraged the girls to apply the lessons learnt, remain confident, and pursue their ambitions with determination.

The initiative builds on Zenith Bank’s longstanding efforts to expand opportunities for women and girls through programmes such as its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, the Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, and the Pad-a-Queen Initiative.

The bank also operates Z-Woman, a programme supporting women-owned businesses through business development assistance and access to credit at discounted rates.

Through “Banking on Her Tomorrow”, Zenith Bank is extending its women’s empowerment initiatives to a younger generation, providing girls with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society.