Leading financial institution, Access Bank Plc. has raised $1.7 million at its Charity Polo Tournament held at The Guards Polo Club, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom.

The bank said the money will be directed towards the building and equipping of over 100 classroom blocks in the less developed areas of Nigeria.

The Group Managing Director, Access Corporation, Herbert Wigwe said:

“The donations serve as building blocks towards achieving a brighter future for the country, while challenging the various state governments to take sustainable actions towards ensuring all boys and girls complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.”

“We thank all attendees and donors for buying into our vision and assure that Access Bank will not relent in its efforts to see that every Nigerian child regardless of tribe, gender and religion is given a fair chance for a better tomorrow.”

Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director, Access Bank said:

“The polo event remains the greatest investment towards ensuring a great future for the vulnerable Nigerian child.”

The Polo tournament, which is executed in partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF, in Kaduna, South Africa and the UK has been an extension of Access Bank’s efforts to support anti-poverty and anti-HIV/AIDS campaigns in Nigeria.

This is the first edition of the UK-based tournament to be held since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.