Access Bank UK fundraises to build new schools in Northern Nigeria

Award-winning African Trade Finance Bank - The Access Bank UK Ltd hosted its annual Access Bank Polo Day and Fundraiser at Guards Polo Club Windsor recently after a two year pandemic-induced moratorium.

Over $1.7m was raised to build 100 schools in Northern Nigeria.

Herbert Wigwe - Group Managing Director of Access Holdings PLC and Chairman of The Access Bank UK Ltd, stated during the fundraising luncheon: “The continued support for the Fifth Chukker -UNICEF initiative reflects the role model set as a change agent in Nigeria and Africa. It is our commitment to the socio-economic development through responsible business practices, social initiatives and environmental consideration.”

“We continue to look for ways to enable more resources to be directed at supporting the children. We are part of the community and as such should support its wellbeing.”

According to Access Bank UK Ltd, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director - Jamie Simmonds: “We are a bank where our growth has been fuelled by the strength of customer relationships and our dedication to corporate social responsibility, balancing economic, environment and social impact plays a key role in the management of the bank. The Group is strongly committed to enhancing access to health and education for young children as well as actively creating alliance/partnerships with schools and the Save a Life initiative.”

The Access Bank Cup is an extension of its education fund raising partnership with Fifth Chukker for UNICEF for projects in northern Nigeria. It is the culmination of a programme of polo competitions across Nigeria and in South Africa. Since the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative was started 10 years ago, it has rebuilt thousands of schools in Kaduna and has allowed for more than 8000 children to achieve their academic goals. New school blocks and a computer literacy building are in the plans along with heightened security protocols to encourage a safe and friendly school life. The communities surrounding the schools are supported with access to water and furnished with sewing and grinding machines to promote financial inclusion to stimulate economic and social development.

Awarded as Best African Trade Finance bank from International Finance for the fifth time and Best African Trade Finance Bank for the seventh year in a row; Access Bank defines its culture as “Putting customers’ need” reflecting its continuous success.

The Access Bank UK Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, a Nigerian Stock Exchange listed company.

The bank’s recent achievements include:

  • Over $100m income milestone for the second year running.
  • 10% year-on-year growth to $111.1m
  • Post-tax profits increased by 200% from $13.5m in 2020 to $40.4m in 2021.
  • Trade Finance income grew by 9% year-on-year to $55.8m.
  • Commercial Banking customer deposits reached $936m, up 7% year-on-year.
  • Visa debit card added to portfolio of customer-focused services.