The 2025 International Women’s Day event, organized by Event Diary Lifestyle, was a remarkable demonstration of Access Bank’s commitment to financial inclusion and empowerment for young girls.
The event of the day held at Top Teez Academy, Ojodu, Lagos with over 200 female students from Top Teez Academy, Highscope School, and Real Prudent Height Academy, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, competitions, and financial empowerment initiatives in alignment with Access Bank’s vision for young people’s financial literacy and inclusion.
In her welcome address, Princess Adeola Shittu, the convener of the Young Girls in School Initiative, underscored the importance of equipping young girls with the knowledge, skills, and financial tools needed to thrive in today’s world.
“This initiative is not just about education; it’s about empowerment. We want these girls to dream beyond limitations and embrace opportunities that will make them leaders in technology, finance, and entrepreneurship,” she stated. Adeola expressed gratitude to Access Bank for their contributions towards financial empowerment, highlighting how their support is helping to bridge the financial literacy gap among young girls.
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Kofoworola Belo-Osagie emphasized the role of education, innovation, and financial independence in transforming the lives of young girls. She spoke on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, addressing challenges like poverty, early marriage, and limited access to education, and encouraged the girls to embrace digital literacy and financial responsibility to secure a brighter future.
A panel of esteemed speakers provided valuable insights on career growth, financial empowerment, and personal security:
Mrs. Eunice Okoye (Legal Practitioner & Human Rights Advocate) – “Empowering Young Girls: Understanding Their Rights and Protecting Their Future.”
Comrade Ifeanyi A. Chukwu (Maritime Administrator & Media Consultant) – “The Role of Media and Maritime Opportunities in Shaping the Future for Young Girls.”
Amina Omoike (Media Personality) – “The Power of Media and Technology in Shaping the Future for Young Girls.”
DSP David Adeboye (Nigeria Police Force, Security Expert) – “The Role of Security and Discipline in a Digital World: Keeping Young Girls Safe Online and Offline.”
A crucial session was led by Mrs. Dick Muliat Adunni of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who educated the students on the dangers of substance abuse and peer pressure, urging them to make informed life choices and stay drug-free.
Each participating school showcased presentations, while Top Teez Academy students thrilled the audience with a cultural display featuring Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Calabar traditions, highlighting the richness of Nigerian heritage.
Students also competed in educational and creative contests, showcasing their intelligence and artistic talents.
Winners of the Word Puzzle Game Competition are: 1st Place: Anabor Omuwa (Top Teez Academy), 2nd Place: Jacob Chinaza (Highscope School) and 3rd Place: Eshiet Grace (Top Teez Academy).
Winners of the Art & Painting Competition are: 1st Place: Aliu Khadijat Favour (Top Teez Academy), 2nd Place: Olusegun Favour (Highscope School), 3rd Place: Oke Tioluwaniyin (Highscope School) and 4th Place: Napoleon Esther ( The Real Prudent Height Academy).
While Eshiet Grace, a student of Top Teez Academy, won the Mutual Benefits Assurance PLC Children Education Plan Raffle Draw.
One of the major highlights of the event was the financial literacy initiative by Access Bank, which saw seven lucky students open their first-ever bank accounts. This initiative aligns with Access Bank PLC’s broader vision of promoting financial inclusion among children and young adults, ensuring that they start their journey toward financial independence early.
One of the winners of the puzzle game competition expressed excitement, saying: “Owning a bank account at my age makes me feel responsible. I now have a place to save for my future!”
This initiative mirrors Access Holdings PLC’s mission to integrate financial literacy into education, ensuring that young girls understand the value of money management and savings from an early age.
The 2025 International Women’s Day program was a resounding success, showcasing how education, mentorship, and financial inclusion can transform young lives. Through Access Bank PLC’s commitment to financial literacy, initiatives like this are helping to shape the future of young girls, providing them with the tools and opportunities to achieve greatness.
With programs like these, young Nigerian girls are not just dreaming of a better future—they are actively preparing for it!
