Children Feature in 2026 Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament

The 2026 Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament celebrated Children’s Day by putting pupils and students from the Access Bank/Fifth Chukker School at the forefront of one of Nigeria’s most prestigious annual sporting and charity events.

The colourful ceremony took place at the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club in Kaduna and drew more than a thousand students and their teachers for a day dedicated to recognising and celebrating children.

Through cultural performances, drama, music, games, drawings and paintings that carried powerful messages such as “Stop Child Abuse” and “We Are the Stars of the Future,” the children captivated guests and dignitaries alike.

Chairman of Access Bank Plc, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime, who led the Access Bank delegation, expressed delight at the outstanding performances and reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to using the charity platform to create opportunities for under‑privileged children through education.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Osime noted that the Access Bank/Fifth Chukker partnership continues to transform lives by expanding access to quality education and supporting the development of rural communities.

She said the initiative has successfully funded the construction of classroom blocks in Kaduna, significantly improving learning conditions for thousands of children. With an additional 60 classrooms recently completed, the total number of classrooms delivered through the project now stands at 120, and the programme continues to make a tangible impact on educational outcomes across beneficiary communities.

Mrs. Osime also highlighted the initiative’s contribution to UNICEF’s education intervention efforts, noting that the partnership is helping to drive sustainable change while creating brighter futures for children in underserved communities.

“We remain committed to promoting sustainable development through quality education and initiatives that positively impact lives and communities,” she said.

Beyond classroom infrastructure, the charity initiative has, over the years, enhanced school enrolment and academic performance through targeted educational interventions. Surrounding communities have also benefited from the provision of boreholes, vocational training equipment, and other empowerment programmes designed to improve livelihoods and foster long‑term development.

Since Access Bank began its multi‑year sponsorship of the Charity Shield Polo Tournament in 2008, the partnership has continued to strengthen collaboration with local authorities and community leaders, ensuring that intervention programmes deliver lasting value and sustainable impact.

As the children sang, performed, and showcased their talents, the celebration served as a powerful reminder of the tournament’s enduring mission—leveraging sport as a platform for education, empowerment, and hope for future generations.