#London #United Kingdom #UNICEF #Access Bank #Fifth Chukker

Introduction

The Access Bank UK Ltd has marked its decade-long commitment to education with the Polo Day 2025 event. Held on July 12, 2025, at the prestigious Guards Polo Club in Windsor, this annual charity event has become a hallmark of the bank's efforts to merge philanthropy with entertainment. It’s a remarkable initiative that underscores the bank's mission to support children's education in Nigeria.

A Decade of Commitment

Reflecting on its ten-year partnership with UNICEF and Fifth Chukker, the Access Bank Polo Day has raised significant funds since its inception, allowing for the construction of 60 classrooms that directly benefit around 14,000 children. Initially born from a modest school with merely 400 students, this initiative has expanded its reach, significantly improving educational opportunities.

Recent Achievements

At the most recent Polo Day, the funds raised will go towards building additional 60 fully equipped classrooms in Kaduna, Nigeria. This expansion represents a pivotal phase in the ongoing educational development efforts aimed at empowering young minds. Jamie Simmonds, the Managing Director and CEO of The Access Bank UK Ltd, emphasized the essential role of education in fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for communities across Africa.

Significance of the Event

Polo Day serves as a platform where players from Nigeria and across Africa come together to compete alongside some of the best international professionals. Adolfo Cambiaso, a top player in the sport, brought his daughter Mia to compete in the Fifth Chukker team, showcasing a legacy of involvement and commitment to education and philanthropy. This mingling of sport and charity highlights Access Bank’s dedication to raising awareness and funds for critical social causes.

Vision for the Future

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings, articulated the importance of using events like Polo Day to bring global changemakers together for the shared goal of investing in Africa's future through education. The partnership with UNICEF is not only symbolic but transformative, advocating for long-term educational growth in Nigeria's rural communities.

Corporate Responsibility and Recognition

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, asserted that education should be viewed as a fundamental right. This aligns with the bank’s philosophy that financial success and social responsibility can coexist. The Access Bank UK Charity Polo Day exemplifies how corporate governance, global partnerships, and empathy can yield meaningful and sustainable changes across various regions, from Kaduna to the UK.

Conclusion

The Access Bank UK Ltd continues to position itself as a key player in the realm of international banking with a mission towards ethical practices. As it moves forward with its plans to enhance educational infrastructure in Nigeria, the bank reiterates its commitment to developing a sustainable business model that meets the needs of the markets it operates within. This position has earned it accolades, such as being recognized as Africa's Best Trade Bank and Best African Trade Finance Bank at the International Finance Award 2024.

Final Thoughts

The longstanding partnership between Access Bank, Fifth Chukker, and UNICEF continues to prove effective in transforming the landscape of education in Nigeria. By leveraging events like Polo Day, Access Bank not only heightens awareness around educational needs but also actively participates in addressing them through concrete actions. Their story is a powerful testament to the positive impacts of proactive corporate social responsibility, demonstrating that every effort counts in the march towards a brighter future for all.