Access Bank UK Polo Day Holds to Raise Funds for Education
Access Bank UK Limited is set to host its annual Polo Day at Guards Polo Club, Windsor. This event, part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, concludes a year-long fundraising initiative in partnership with UNICEF to support education projects in Northern Nigeria. Access Bank’s commitment to CSR and exemplary corporate governance is evident in this endeavor.
Since its inception, the UNICEF/Access Bank partnership has utilized funds from the charity event to rebuild schools in Kaduna, ensuring continuous education for over 12,000 students. Additionally, new solar-powered school blocks and a computer literacy building have been developed, creating a secure and friendly environment for learning. The surrounding communities have also benefited from boreholes for water and the provision of sewing and grinding machines to enhance economic and social development.
The Access Bank UK Polo Day, with support from the Access Bank Group, highlights the challenges faced by vulnerable children, orphans, and internationally displaced persons. In partnership with Fifth Chukker, based in Kaduna, Nigeria, the Access Bank Polo Tournament raises funds and garners support for the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative across Africa. The primary goal is to empower underprivileged children through education, providing them with opportunities to dream, learn, and grow.
Last year’s event featured two thrilling polo matches. Malcomines Polo emerged victorious in the Khalifa Cup, defeating Delaney Polo 7-4 across four chukkas. Delaney Polo’s Damian Duncan, who delivered an outstanding performance, was awarded the Access Bank Most Valuable Player prize.
In the second match for the Access Bank Charity Cup, Access Bank triumphed over Fifth Chukker with a 4-3 victory. The game included top players such as Juan Martin Nero, Polito Pieres, Alfredo Bigatti, and Guillermo Terrera. Access Bank’s Sayyu Dantata was named the Most Valuable Player by Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano. Dantata also received the Access Bank Best Playing Pony prize for Bayita, played in the fourth chukka.
The event concluded with a celebration in the marquee, featuring a performance by The Cavemen.
Herbert Wigwe, the then Group Managing Director of Access Holdings PLC and Chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd (now late), stated: “Our ongoing support for the Fifth Chukker – UNICEF initiative reflects our role as a change agent in Nigeria and Africa, promoting socio-economic development through responsible business practices, social initiatives, and environmental consideration.”
Jamie Simmonds, CEO and Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Ltd, highlighted the success of the charity event at Guards Polo with Fifth Chukker, attributing it to the loyalty of their customers.
This year’s Polo Day promises to be even more exciting, with more guests dedicated to giving back and making an impact expected to attend this significant event
