Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

Access Bank, Danmarna, Max Air Share Honours at Kaduna UNICEF Charity Polo Tournament

Minister of Defence and Access Bank CEO present prizes as event raises support for children’s education in North-West

Published

on

Minister of Defence and Access Bank CEO present prizes as event raises support for children’s education in North-West

Access Bank, Katsina Danmarna, Max Air, and Golden Brickmore teams shared the top prizes at the 2026 Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament, which concluded in Kaduna on Sunday. The eight-day competition at Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Resort brought together leading players and dignitaries to raise funds for educational projects benefitting vulnerable children in the North-West.

The tournament featured thrilling displays of horsemanship and sportsmanship, with fans commending the high level of competition. During the closing ceremony, Access Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Roosevelt Ogbonna, joined Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa and Adamu Atta of Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Resort to present trophies and a charity cheque alongside UNICEF representatives and school children. The event underscored ongoing collaboration between corporate sponsors and humanitarian agencies to support access to basic education in underserved communities.

Organisers said the annual charity shield has become a key fixture for both polo enthusiasts and advocates of social development in Nigeria. Proceeds from the tournament are channelled through UNICEF to improve classroom facilities, provide learning materials, and expand outreach programmes for out-of-school children in Kaduna State and neighbouring areas.

Speaking at the ceremony, officials highlighted the impact of sustained private sector involvement in tackling educational challenges across the country. According to organisers, this year’s edition drew increased participation from sponsors and community leaders eager to address the needs of disadvantaged pupils. “We are proud to stand with UNICEF in promoting opportunities for every Nigerian child,” Access Bank CEO Ogbonna said.

The next edition of the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield is scheduled for 2027, with stakeholders pledging continued support for initiatives advancing children’s welfare through sports and philanthropy.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/access-bank-danmarna-others-share-spoils-at-unicef-charity-polo-tourney/

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Abuja Women Leaders Push Cross-Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Female Influence in Decision-Making

Senior figures from law, health, finance and government meet in FCT to demand shift from token representation to real power

Published

on

Senior figures from law, health, finance and government meet in FCT to demand shift from token representation to real power

Women leaders from various sectors gathered in Abuja on Tuesday for the Women in Leadership Cross-Sector Convening, urging a united approach to boost women’s presence and influence in national decision-making. The event brought together senior and emerging professionals from law, health, finance, agriculture, government and civil society to tackle barriers limiting female leadership across Nigeria.

Key speakers at the conference included Organisation Effectiveness Consultant Habiba Balogun; WILAN Global Founder and Executive Director Abosede George-Ogan; Regional Director for Africa Centre For International Private Enterprise Lola Adekanye; and Founder of Will Way Paradigm Dolapo Agbede. They stressed the importance of breaking down sector-based silos and building strategic alliances to ensure women move beyond symbolic roles to actively shaping policies and institutional cultures at every level.

This call for collaboration comes as gender parity remains a challenge in Nigeria’s public and private sectors. Despite increased advocacy for female participation, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions. The Abuja convening provided a platform for participants to share strategies on fostering systemic change rather than settling for mere inclusion. Speakers highlighted that sustainable national growth requires women not just occupying seats at the table but also contributing meaningfully to decisions that affect society.

“Women must be empowered to influence outcomes at the highest levels,” said Habiba Balogun during her address at the event. Other panellists echoed this sentiment, noting that bridging divides between industries will accelerate progress towards gender equity nationwide.

Participants resolved to strengthen networks between professional bodies, advocacy groups and policymakers in order to drive reforms that support women’s advancement. The organisers indicated that follow-up sessions will focus on practical measures for implementation, aiming to translate discussions into actionable policy changes affecting governance and business practices.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/wilan-pushes-cross-sector-collaboration-to-enhance-womens-leadership/

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

NSE Inducts 214 Engineers as Fellows in Abuja, Urges Federal Government to Address Soaring Cost of Living

NSE President Ali Alimasuya Rabiu calls for urgent action on insecurity and economic hardship during induction ceremony

Published

on

NSE President Ali Alimasuya Rabiu calls for urgent action on insecurity and economic hardship during induction ceremony

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) inducted 214 engineers into its Fellowship cadre during the Second Quarter Dinner held in Abuja on Tuesday. The event, which brought together leading professionals from across the country, saw NSE President Ali Alimasuya Rabiu task the Federal Government with taking decisive measures to tackle Nigeria’s rising cost of living and escalating insecurity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rabiu emphasised that government must prioritise the safety and welfare of citizens amid persistent economic hardship and a surge in criminal activities such as kidnappings nationwide. His remarks were contained in a statement signed by the Society’s Acting Executive Secretary, Abdulkadir Aliyu, and made available to journalists in Abuja.

The induction comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with inflation and job losses, with official figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showing double-digit inflation for several consecutive months. Analysts have linked the current economic hardship to factors including naira depreciation and reduced purchasing power, further straining households across all geopolitical zones.

Rabiu reaffirmed NSE’s commitment to supporting national development efforts through collaboration with government, academia, industry players and other stakeholders. He stated: “The current situation demands stronger cooperation among all sectors so we can find sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.” The NSE president also warned that failure to address insecurity would undermine progress in all other areas.

While the Federal Government has announced new social intervention programmes in recent months, critics say more comprehensive policies are needed to reverse worsening living conditions. The newly inducted fellows are expected to contribute their expertise toward tackling these national challenges as part of their professional mandate.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/nse-inducts-214-fellows-urges-fg-to-tackle-rising-cost-of-living/

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Rainstorm Kills Two, Destroys Houses in Kirfi LGA, Bauchi State

Police confirm deaths of woman and granddaughter as storm ravages Katsinawa, Bara Village, leaving residents homeless

Published

on

Police confirm deaths of woman and granddaughter as storm ravages Katsinawa, Bara Village, leaving residents homeless

A powerful rainstorm swept through Katsinawa, Bara Village in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of a 50-year-old woman, Aisha Sagir, and her four-year-old granddaughter, Aisha Shuaibu. The incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on June 10, according to the Bauchi State Police Command.

Residents said the rainstorm was accompanied by strong winds that brought down several houses and destroyed livestock and other valuables worth millions of naira. The destruction has left many families displaced as they struggle to salvage what remains of their property in the aftermath of the storm.

Bauchi State is currently in its rainy season, and communities like Katsinawa often face severe weather events that threaten lives and livelihoods. The latest tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over inadequate infrastructure and disaster preparedness in rural parts of North-East Nigeria.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, SP Nafiu Abubakar, spokesperson for the command, confirmed that officers from Kirfi Division had visited the scene to assess the damage and maintain order among affected residents. “Preliminary reports indicate significant loss of property and two fatalities,” Abubakar said. He added that the command had sent a message of sympathy to the state government and assured residents of continued security presence.

As at press time, emergency relief agencies were yet to release an official response or announce plans for support to those affected by the disaster. Community leaders have called on both state authorities and relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance for displaced families. The incident comes as meteorological agencies continue to warn about heavy rainfall patterns across Bauchi State during this period.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/rainstorm-kills-woman-granddaughter-destroys-houses-in-bauchi/

Continue Reading