On July 12, 2025, The Access Bank UK Charity Polo Day returned to Guards Polo Club, Windsor marking ten years of impactful partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF. More than just a high-profile sporting event, the annual polo match has become a powerful vehicle for change, raising funds to support inclusive education across rural Nigeria.
The honourable guests in attendance were Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings Plc; Roosevelt Ogbonna, MD/ CEO of Access Bank Plc; Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc; Jamie Simmonds, CEO/MD of The Access Bank UK Limited; Paul Usoro, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Access Bank Plc, among others.
Since its inception, the initiative has grown from funding a single school with 400 pupils to building and equipping 60 school room blocks—transforming the lives of over 14,000 children. This year’s event continues the momentum, with funds directed toward the construction of another 60 fully equipped classrooms to expand access to quality education. In collaboration with UNICEF, the funds raised not only build infrastructure but also support the long-term educational needs of children in underserved communities.
Jamie Simmonds, Managing Director and CEO of The Access Bank UK Ltd, highlighted the broader vision behind the event:
“This event reflects the essence of The Access Bank UK’s mission—to serve as a bridge between continents, connecting purpose with prosperity. By championing education, we are investing in a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
For Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the annual event underscores the role of sport in catalysing global action:
“We have used polo at Guards as a platform to unite changemakers around one common cause—investing in Africa’s future through education. The partnership with Fifth Chukker and UNICEF is both symbolic and transformative.”
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group CEO/MD of Access Bank Plc, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment:
“At Access Bank, we believe education is a fundamental right. This event proves that financial success and social impact can go hand in hand.”
Now in its tenth year, The Access Bank UK Charity Polo Day continues to demonstrate the powerful role of purposeful partnerships in creating lasting social change. What began as a fundraising initiative has evolved into a global movement supporting education and opportunity for thousands of children. As the event looks to the next decade, its legacy is clear: meaningful impact is possible when vision, compassion, and collaboration come together.
