Gains of Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament
The Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament has yet again underlined the fact that polo is more than just a sport but a powerful vehicle for social impact.
Since inception, the tournament has harnessed the glamour of polo to drive long-term investments in the education and wellbeing of vulnerable children in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna State.
One of the most remarkable achievements of this initiative is the completion of a 60-classroom fully equipped school complex in Maraban Jos, Kaduna. With the unveiling of new uniforms and shoes for students—and plans underway to build an additional 100 classrooms.
Access Bank and its partners have made significant strides in transforming access to education for underserved communities. Today, enrolment in the school has surpassed 20,000 students, a powerful testament to the tournament’s impact.
The initiative has also expanded to include sustainable rural development projects such as clean water facilities and cooperative societies for local farmers and artisans—further cementing the partnership’s relevance beyond the polo field. These efforts continue to receive commendation from stakeholders and beneficiaries alike, with the 2025 edition of the tournament marking yet another milestone in this remarkable journey.
Launched in 2003, the Charity Shield initially supported local charities before evolving in 2006 to focus solely on UNICEF’s interventions for orphans and vulnerable children in Kaduna. A game-changing moment came in 2008 when Access Bank committed to a multi-year sponsorship, setting a new benchmark for corporate-led philanthropy in Nigeria.
According to Access Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Roosevelt Ogbonna, FCA, CFA, the initiative aligns with the Bank’s broader mission to improve educational access for disadvantaged children across Africa.
“Nigeria faces a profound challenge—over 10.5 million children are out of school, with a significant portion in the North. This stark reality demands urgent action. Through initiatives like this, we aim to turn despair into hope and give every child the chance to dream and thrive.”
The far-reaching benefits of this partnership extend across six communities in three local government areas in Kaduna, bringing water, electricity, and job opportunities to thousands of people. These investments reaffirm Access Bank’s commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
The 2025 edition of the Charity Shield also received praise from dignitaries such as Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who hailed the Bank’s long-term support for UNICEF as a strategic force for poverty alleviation and youth empowerment.
“Access Bank and its partners have taken up the mantle of supporting vulnerable children and rural development. We urge more public and private institutions to follow this example,” she remarked.
Beyond its sponsorship, Access Bank also donates ₦10 million annually to UNICEF as part of the tournament proceeds, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable social change.
This year’s event concluded with thrilling victories from Clearwater, Access Bank, and Katsina Max Air teams at the prestigious Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Resort.
Attended by dignitaries, sports lovers, and philanthropists, the tournament also welcomed special guest Ahmadou Gallo Fall, Senegalese NBA legend, who applauded the Bank’s support for school basketball and martial arts initiatives.
The 2025 Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield was not just a celebration of sport—it was a reaffirmation of how corporate social responsibility, when paired with purposeful action, can change lives and build brighter futures.
