You Can Revolutionise The World
OpenLife News reports that Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s leading financial institution and one of Africa’s most respected global banking brands with consistent Tier-1 capital ranking and multiple international awards for corporate governance and service excellence, has launched the maiden edition of its Girl-Child Empowerment Programme, themed “Banking on Her Tomorrow.”
The historic event held on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, brought together 300 schoolgirls aged 13 to 17 from selected schools across Lagos for a full day of mentorship, financial literacy and personal development.
The initiative, a brainchild of the Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, underscores Zenith Bank’s long-standing commitment to inclusive growth and the empowerment of women and girls.
In her welcome address, Dame Umeoji charged the girls to believe in their innate potential and refuse to be limited by stereotypes.
“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 declared.
She urged them to own their future with discipline and courage: “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.”
Delivering the keynote address, Her Majesty, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, encouraged the girls to embrace identity, resilience and purpose.
Using the mangrove tree as a powerful metaphor, she said challenges should not define their future.“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 stated.
The programme featured highly interactive, practical sessions led by accomplished professionals.
On etiquette and self-presentation, Ayanime Edem, Founder of The Elite Finishing School and modern etiquette educator, taught the girls that “confidence is not about perfection, but about how you carry yourself, how you communicate and how you respect others and yourself.”
On digital citizenship, Nigerian actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga Ilori, popularly known as Kie Kie, warned on responsible social media use: “Be authentic online, but set boundaries. Your social media should reflect your values, not consume your worth.”
On financial literacy, Zenith Bank Plc’s Thelma Okonye and Adesola Adeyemo introduced the girls to saving, budgeting and early investment, noting that “the habit of saving early and spending wisely is the foundation of financial independence for every woman.”
On relationships and self-awareness, Nigerian filmmaker and educator Praise Onyeagwalam, popularly known as Director Pink, advised: “Healthy relationships start with self-awareness. Know who you are, communicate clearly, and never be afraid to set standards for how you should be treated.”
The event was hosted by public speaker and lawyer Temi Badru, with Darasimi Destiny Nadi serving as mini host.
The girls participated actively, asking questions and sharing aspirations, while musical performances by Qing Madi and No. 11 added colour. Cash prizes totalling over ₦1 million were awarded in competitions, and participants received books to encourage reading culture.
In her closing remarks, Executive Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Mrs. Adobi Nwapa, celebrated the GMD’s vision and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment.“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,” Nwapa said.
She thanked all speakers and participants, urging the girls to remain confident and apply the lessons learnt.
The launch of “Banking on Her Tomorrow” builds on Zenith Bank’s global reputation as a champion of women’s advancement through initiatives such as its annual International Women’s Day Seminar, Zenith Women’s Basketball League, Women of Honour Awards in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the Pad-a-Queen Initiative and Z-Woman, which supports women-owned businesses with access to credit at discounted rates.
With this new programme, Zenith Bank, reputed as Africa’s most awarded bank, is extending its legacy of excellence from banking halls to classrooms, equipping the next generation of girls with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead and revolutionise their world.
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