Access Holdings, a leading African finance institution committed to making a difference, has once again demonstrated its dedication to ensuring children have the chance to access quality education. Through its recent Polo Day, held at the esteemed Guards Polo Club in Windsor, United Kingdom, the group secured pledges for the construction of 100 classroom blocks in Nigeria.
The classrooms will go a long way in ensuring countless underprivileged children will have access to a safe and nurturing learning environment, ultimately inspiring them to dream, learn and become more.
In his remarks at the event, the Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, Herbert Wigwe, highlighted the significant milestones made in line with the organisation's objectives.
“Today, we stand on the shoulders of the remarkable achievements from previous editions. Each one, a testament to our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of children in need of education and optimism. Together, we have made good progress in ensuring children are given a fair chance at a brighter future through quality education.
“Our collective and continuing support of free and equitable education for children reflects a view of our role as change agents that can help institute socio-economic development through responsible business practice and social initiatives. As such, we will continue to seek out innovative ways to garner resources and invest in the future of our society. We are part of the community and we support its wellbeing,” Wigwe stated.
Since the polo fundraising initiative was launched in partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF, Access Holdings, through its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc has seen to the refurbishment of several schools in Kaduna and has put over 12,000 children through continuous education. At the same time, 60 classrooms and a computer literacy building have been commissioned. The communities surrounding the schools are supported with boreholes for water, while households have been empowered with equipment and training to secure employment, stimulating economic and social development.
The completion of the new set of classroom blocks will represent a significant step in the organisation’s goal of attaining a student-to-class ratio of 35-40 students per class in line with the national target.
Restating plans to empower even more communities, the Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna emphasised that, "The Group’s true victory does not lie solely in the goals scored during the tournament, but in the lasting impact we can create beyond these moments.”
“We are proud to be a driving force in the pursuit of access to education and look forward to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” he concluded.
The event brought together distinguished guests and personalities from around the world. Among the notable attendees were the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu; 14th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON; 21st Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase III; Chairman, Coronation Capital, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Paul Usoro (SAN); former Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Ajoritsedere Awosika, and more.