The Access Bank UK used its annual Access Bank Polo Day to record a pledge of $970,000 to build and equip 70 new classrooms, for children's education in Northern Nigeria. Since the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative was started in 2005 it has built schools in Kaduna and, kept more than 8,000 students in continuous education.

The annual event is the climax to the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament, and celebrates reaching out to and highlighting the plight of vulnerable children and orphans and internally displaced persons. In partnership with 5th Chukker and based in Kaduna, Nigeria, the tournament is the biggest charity polo tournament in Africa and generates funds and stimulates support for the work of the UNICEF/Access Bank initiative across Africa.

"Together with our continuing support for the Fifth Chukker - UNICEF initiative is predicated on our view of our role as a change agent in Nigeria and Africa that can help institute socio-economic development through responsible business practice, social initiatives and environmental consideration." Herbert Wigwe, chairman of The Access Bank UK, added: "We continue to look for ways through which more resources can be pooled towards supporting the children. We are part of the community and as such should support its wellbeing."

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