Access Bank PLC’s Managing Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna, has been appointed to the Presidential High-Level Advisory Council on Support to Women and Girls by His Excellency, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. According to a statement, this appointment comes as a result of Access Bank PLC’s dedication to women’s empowerment through adequate financing and literacy promotion, as well as advocacy and specialised training. Upon his appointment, Ogbonna said, “This achievement signifies a significant responsibility to ensure gender equality, equal access to opportunities, and national development through purposeful long-term initiatives targeted at women.” He said being appointed by the Presidency signifies that we are doing something right at Access Bank and also points to the impact of our various initiatives and vocational training programs on the larger society. He said, “Indeed, every individual, irrespective of status, organisation, or tribe, has a part to play in ensuring the rights of women and girls are upheld. As we enter the month of the woman, we must recognise that gender equality is a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable nation.” He urged all public and private stakeholders must work collaboratively to embrace equality, ensure women have a voice and have the right support to thrive, while he stressed that everyone has a role to play in ensuring women’s and girls’ rights are respected. According to him, Access Bank has been working to accelerate the wave of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria since launching the “W” Initiative in 2014. The “W” initiative includes capacity-building programs, mentoring programs, and maternal health services to assist in building a more substantial, more sustainable society. Since Ogbonna’s appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank PLC, he has focused on equal access to opportunities and social infrastructure for women. Under his stewardship, Access Bank signed a commitment letter with the DFC for $280m in financing to help address the financing gap for small and medium-sized enterprises and advance financial inclusion in Nigeria, aiding the Bank’s commitment to supporting women-owned and led businesses,” the statement said.
