When 11-year-old Tolu stepped onto the dusty pitch of the legendary Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle, she had no idea the day would end with a football signed by a former Super Eagles star in her backpack — and a new dream in her heart.
For Tolu and over 3,000 other children from low-income neighborhoods across Ajegunle and its environs, the 2025 Maracana Children’s Fest was more than just an event. It was a moment of visibility, validation, and renewed belief in what’s possible — made even more powerful by the committed partnership of Polaris Bank.
Held on July 21 at the iconic community stadium and organized by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, the Fest pulsed with life. It wasn’t just the games, music, and creative displays that gave it energy — it was the faces of children beaming with joy as they played, learned, and received heartfelt gifts of food, mementoes, and encouragement.
At the heart of it all was Polaris Bank, whose sponsorship brought structure, sustenance, and spirit to the day. Their support funded meals, palliative food packages, and functional souvenirs for children and families. But more than the material support, it was the message that mattered: you are seen, you are worthy, and you have a future.
Polaris Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Kayode Lawal, who was represented by Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head of Brand Management & Corporate Communication, captured the sentiment with clarity:
“We are proud to support the Maracana Children’s Fest and contribute to such a meaningful community initiative. This event allowed us to connect with the next generation and their families, promoting both youth development and financial inclusion. Our support reflects Polaris Bank’s deep-rooted values in fostering community growth and empowering young Nigerians.”
Children cheered as former Super Eagles stars — heroes of the past — took to the stage, posed for pictures, and shared stories about resilience and discipline. Their presence electrified the air, inspiring young minds like 13-year-old Seyi, who said, “Now I want to be like them — but not just in football. I want to be great.”
Beyond the field, parents and guardians expressed gratitude not just for the festivities, but for the dignity extended to their children. “In this part of Lagos, we are often forgotten,” said Mrs. Ajoke Adebanjo, a mother of four. “But today, Polaris Bank reminded us that our children matter.”
Ajegunle, often painted in the media as a community battling poverty and neglect, was, for one bright Saturday, a place of dreams. The event stood as a testament to what’s possible when institutions move beyond CSR as a checkbox and instead invest in human potential.
This is not the first time Polaris Bank has taken deliberate steps to empower underserved communities. But the 2025 Maracana Fest marked a deepening of its social impact philosophy — one where inclusion, access, and empathy shape every engagement.
As the sun set over the stadium and the children waved goodbye with souvenir packs in hand, one thing became clear: this was not just a day of fun. It was a statement of intent. A promise to do more. A reminder that real change starts with showing up — especially for those who need it most.
With initiatives like this, Polaris Bank is not just banking on profits; it is banking on people.
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
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