Held on 4 July 2026 at the picturesque Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park, this year’s Access Bank Polo Day brought together clients, partners, business leaders and distinguished guests for one of the highlights of the summer social and sporting calendar.
Set against the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most prestigious polo venues, guests enjoyed an afternoon of exceptional hospitality, networking and thrilling world-class polo, while supporting a cause that has remained at the heart of the event for more than a decade: expanding access to education in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Among those in attendance were His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, Emir of Katsina; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings Plc; Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc; Jamie Simmonds, CEO/Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited and Adamu Atta, Founder and Chairman of Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club.
Guests were treated to an outstanding display of polo featuring some of the sport’s biggest names, including legendary player Adolfo Cambiaso, whose skill and horsemanship captivated spectators throughout the day. The exciting matches, combined with the elegant surroundings of Guards Polo Club, created a memorable occasion that perfectly reflected the spirit of the event.
While the polo provided spectacular entertainment, the day remained firmly focused on its wider purpose. Through the long-standing partnership between Access Bank, Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club and UNICEF, the event has become far more than a date in the sporting calendar. It stands as a powerful example of what sustained collaboration can achieve when organisations unite behind a shared commitment to long-term social impact.
Over the years, the Access Bank–UNICEF Charity Shield Polo initiative has helped drive meaningful progress in education across Kaduna State. The partnership has supported the construction of more than 120 classroom blocks, creating safer and more inclusive learning environments for thousands of children. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, 30 classroom blocks were completed, while a further 60 classrooms are currently under construction in Maraban Jos.
Beyond education, the partnership has also supported wider community development through clean water initiatives, vocational programmes and child welfare projects, helping to improve opportunities for children and their families.
As Access Bank Group continues to expand across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, its growing international presence has strengthened the reach of this important initiative, bringing together supporters and partners who share a commitment to creating lasting impact through education.
Jamie Simmonds, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of The Access Bank UK Limited, said:
“Education is one of the most important investments any society can make in its future. What makes this partnership particularly powerful is its longevity and the measurable impact it continues to deliver for children and communities. As Access Group continues to grow as a global institution, we remain committed to using our international network, relationships and resources to support initiatives that create meaningful opportunities and lasting change.”
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, commented:
“The lasting success of this initiative reflects the power of long-term thinking and a shared commitment to creating opportunity. As we continue to expand our influence on the global stage, we have a responsibility to ensure that growth is matched by meaningful social impact.”
Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, added:
“At Access Bank, we believe that sustainable development begins with investing in people, and there is no greater investment than education. For more than a decade, this partnership with UNICEF and Fifth Chukker has demonstrated the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when organisations unite around a shared purpose. Together, we have helped create opportunities for thousands of children to access quality education and build brighter futures.”
This year’s event once again embodied the theme ‘Polo with Purpose’, demonstrating how sport can inspire meaningful connections while supporting life-changing initiatives. Combining world-class polo, exceptional hospitality and a shared commitment to education, Access Bank Polo Day continues to strengthen relationships, celebrate excellence and create lasting opportunities for future generations.
