Polo With Purpose: Access Bank UK Charity Event Backs Nigerian Education

Access Bank PLC, in partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF, is gearing up for the 2025 edition of its flagship philanthropy event, the Access Bank UK Charity Polo Day, scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor, United Kingdom.

The event, a fixture on the global charity and polo calendar, aims to raise critical funds to improve access to education for underprivileged children in Nigeria. Over the years, the initiative has directly impacted more than 14,000 children in Kaduna State, supporting the construction and equipping of classrooms to create better learning environments for children in underserved communities.

Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described the initiative as a rallying point for global stakeholders committed to Africa’s future. “This platform brings together changemakers who believe in the power of education to transform lives. Our partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF continues to deliver real, measurable impact,” he said.

The 2025 Charity Polo Day will attract an exclusive guest list of global philanthropists, diplomats, and industry leaders, who will participate in a day of world-class polo matches, networking, and advocacy for inclusive education.

Proceeds from the event will fund the construction of new classroom blocks and enhance learning conditions in rural Nigerian communities. Through its partnership with UNICEF, the initiative is focused on expanding access to quality education and providing long-term support for vulnerable children.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director of Access Bank, emphasized the bank’s social mission, saying, “At Access Bank, we see education as a right, not a privilege. We are committed to aligning our business goals with societal impact, demonstrating that financial success and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive.”

Managing Director and CEO of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, also highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative. “Access Bank UK serves as a bridge between continents, connecting prosperity with purpose. By championing education through this platform, we are investing in the future of Africa and creating a more inclusive global community,” he said.

The Access Bank UK Charity Polo Day has become a symbol of how corporate leadership, strategic philanthropy, and empathy can work together to drive sustainable change—impacting lives from Kaduna to Windsor, and inspiring action across the globe.