Zenith Bank Plc has launched a girl-child empowerment programme aimed at equipping young Nigerian girls with financial literacy, leadership skills and practical knowledge to prepare them for future educational and career opportunities.
The initiative, tagged Banking on Her Tomorrow, brought together 300 schoolgirls between the ages of 13 and 17 from selected schools across Lagos.
The inaugural event, held on October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, featured discussions on personal finance, investment, digital responsibility, confidence building and interpersonal relationships.
The programme forms part of Zenith Bank’s broader efforts to support women’s development with particular emphasis on helping younger girls develop skills that could improve their future economic independence.
Speaking at the event, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame Adaora Umeoji, encouraged participants to develop confidence in their abilities and pursue opportunities without allowing gender or age to determine their ambitions.
Umeoji, who initiated the programme, emphasised the importance of discipline, personal development and informed decision-making in achieving long-term goals.
She urged the participants to explore their interests and recognise the potential of their ideas to create meaningful change.
The bank also introduced the students to fundamental financial concepts, including saving, responsible money management and investment.
The financial literacy sessions, facilitated by Zenith Bank representatives Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo, focused on helping participants understand how financial decisions made early in life can influence their future economic opportunities.
For young Nigerians preparing to enter higher education and eventually the workforce, exposure to financial knowledge can provide a foundation for budgeting, entrepreneurship and long-term financial planning.
The initiative also addressed challenges associated with growing up in an increasingly digital environment.
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.
Ayanime Edem, founder of The Elite Finishing School, led discussions on effective communication, confidence and personal presentation.
Filmmaker and creative executive Praise Onyeagwalam, popularly known as Director Pink, addressed healthy relationships, self-awareness and interpersonal communication.
Delivering the keynote address, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, encouraged the participants to develop resilience and recognise that personal achievements extend beyond academic performance.
She highlighted the importance of building confidence, overcoming challenges and using individual talents to make positive contributions to society.
The programme also featured competitions in which participants received cash prizes totalling more than N1 million.
Books were distributed to encourage reading and continuous personal development, while musical performances formed part of the day’s activities.
Speaking during the closing session, Zenith Bank Executive Director Adobi Nwapa said the programme was conceived as a continuing initiative rather than a one-off engagement.
According to her, the bank intends to sustain the programme annually as part of its commitment to supporting the development of young girls.
The new initiative expands Zenith Bank’s existing women-focused programmes, which include the Zenith Women’s Basketball League, its International Women’s Day Seminar and the Z-Woman proposition.
Through Z-Woman, the bank provides business support and access to credit at discounted rates for women-owned enterprises.
The introduction of Banking on Her Tomorrow extends that focus to younger participants, combining early financial education with mentorship and personal development.
For Zenith Bank, the programme represents an additional investment in human capital development, particularly among girls who are approaching important decisions about education, careers and financial independence.
The bank expects the initiative to help participants develop the confidence and practical skills needed to pursue their ambitions and contribute to their communities.