As part of its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, the financial institution’s Marketing and Corporate Communications department renovated the SOS Children’s Villages, Social Centre, located at Isolo in Lagos State.
Members of the department gave the Social centre a face-lift with new wall paintings, sophisticated furniture, and donated an All-In-
One computer to comfort the children in accessing the digital hub at their Ejigbo campus. The facility is home to over 300 youths and over 2000 youths around Ejigbo will benefit from the upgraded space which includes a lounge, hub furniture and the all-in-one computer donated. SOS Children’s Villages is a non-governmental and non-denominational organisation that supports and provides for vulnerable children and young people who lack the required family care, protection and guidance.
Reiterating Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to continue making a positive impact in the society, Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, said that the organisation is keen on collaborating with reputable bodies such as the SOS Children’s Villages to foster the development of the nation’s younger generation.
We believe the future is digital, and we are happy to have donated useful items to enable the youths to stay up to date with digital learning, so they remain relevant in these times.
According to her, “At Stanbic IBTC, we are passionate about the wellbeing of our future leaders. As a socially responsible organisation, one of our major duties is to improve the quality of life of the needy in our society. This is what we aim to achieve through our Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives.”
Oyefeso-Odusami praised the management of the SOS Children’s Villages for their selfless service to humanity and encouraged the children to take advantage of the provisions made available within the facility.
Expressing his gratitude to Stanbic IBTC for their thoughtfulness, Ayodeji Adelopo, Programme Director, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, said that the donations would enhance the impact that the organisation’s impact in the lives of the children.
In his words: “These children need a conducive environment to learn as well as access to emerging technology and the digital space. Stanbic IBTC has given these young ones the kind of luxury that is not available to them, and for this, we are very grateful.”
During her closing remarks, Maryam Daramola, Face-to-Face Fundraising Coordinator, SOS Children’s Villages, urged other corporate organisations, institutions, communities and governments to emulate the kind gesture of Stanbic IBTC in donating and partnering with them to make life better for the needy.
Daramola stated that since the inception of the SOS Children’s Village, the organisation has consistently worked to keep families together, provide alternative care when needed, support young people on their path to independence, and advocate for children’s rights.
The SOS Children’s Villages was founded in 1949 and is currently located in 135 countries and territories worldwide. The Nigerian arm of the organisation, established 46 years ago, has presence in Lagos, Ogun and Plateau as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Earlier on, the Lagos Island Zone of Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC also renovated Ayodele Primary School in Ajegunle, Lagos State while Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited refurbished Ijamido Children’s Home at Ota in Ogun State.
Stanbic IBTC continues to reiterate its commitment to supporting the growth of education in the country, especially through enhanced digital capabilities. This was demonstrated as the management of Estate Grammar School, Ilupeju, Oshodi, received a fully furnished digital library from the Operations Shared Services (OSS) department of Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC.
Similarly, at the Love Home Orphanage, Magodo, Lagos, the Business Transformation Programmes (BTP) department of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC donated food and other household items to orphans whose means of survival is dependent on generous donations from socially responsible corporate institutions.
According to Gbenga Onabanjo, Head Business Transformation Programmes, “there is nothing more heartwarming than seeing smiles you put in the faces of those who need it the most, people who have never met you but somehow have had their lives impacted from your kind gesture. It is not something we take for granted at Stanbic IBTC.”
The foremost end-to-end financial services provider, through these interventions, has proven that it will not relent in its contribution to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for supporting businesses engaged in international trade and investment. Through the branch, the bank will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury and related financial services to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.Speaking ahead of the launch, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “The opening of our Manchester branch represents another important step in Zenith Bank’s growth as a leading African financial institution connecting businesses and markets across continents. Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic commercial centres, and our presence here will further strengthen financial connections between businesses in the UK and opportunities across Africa’s rapidly expanding markets.”Founded in 1990 by its Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a remarkable history of year-on-year profitability. Built on a strong foundation of people, technology and service, the Bank has consistently delivered innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. The impressive performance of the Bank has consistently earned it excellent ratings, recognition and endorsement from local and international agencies and institutions.Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Bank currently operates subsidiaries in several African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres including the United Kingdom, France, UAE and China. In recent years, Zenith Bank has continued to expand its international network as part of its strategy to support global trade and investment flows involving Africa.Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, hosts a diverse base of businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem and international outlook align closely with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking, structured finance and trade finance.The Manchester branch will work closely with the Bank’s London operations and its broader international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.
