The 2016 edition of the Access Bank-UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament is scheduled to hold in Kangimi Resort, Kaduna, from May 25 to June 5, 2016.
The biggest charity polo event in Africa in collaboration with Fifth Chukker will this year, feature 15 teams vying for honours in three categories, organisers of the event said in a press conference in Lagos yesterday.
The event, which is in its 10th year of Access Bank sponsorship, is a reaffirmation of the importance of the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable children in northern Nigeria.
Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, said the bank had maintained its yearly support to UNICEF towards its projects for orphans and vulnerable children.
He stated that in addition to the donation, the Bank is continually seeking new avenues through which more resources can be pooled towards supporting the children and touching the lives of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) scattered across the country.
“We have been working in Kaduna, in collaboration with UNICEF to elevate quality of lives. We need to do a lot more in support of these orphans and vulnerable children to especially in the IDP camps to enable them live a better life and have access to education,” he added.
The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Jean Gough thanked Access Bank for the partnership which has over the past decade positively touched the lives of children needing support particularly in Kaduna and its environs.
Ms Gough who was represented by UNICEF Communication Officer, Blessing Ejiofor stated that the partnership has increased the space for lots of children orphaned by HIV/AIDs in the target communities to enjoy their rights to education.
“We know that sustainable development begins with safe, healthy and well-educated children irrespective of status. We have no doubt through this partnership, made positive impacts in the lives of disadvantaged children in education and healthcare and we are hoping to do more.”
Fifth Chukker Polo Captain, Babangida Hassan, said the club is proud to continue in the development of this established partnership with Access Bank and UNICEF.
He disclosed that over 20 teams across Africa have signified interest to participate in the Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield polo tournament for this year.
Campaigns for the most prestigious prize, the Access Bank Cup and the low-goal UNICEF Cup promises to make the tournament exciting especially with 15 teams set to display their skills in potentially explosive games.
The event is the first stage in the series that will climax in Europe with the Access Bank Charity Shield Polo Day at the prestigious Guards Polo Club in London next month.
