Access Holdings is celebrating the innovations in Africa, setting a reminder of the continent’s diversity and the need to address the educational challenges.
In line with the theme for the 2024 celebration of Africa Day, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa”, Nigeria’s largest bank is celebrating the complex continent of over 1.2 billion people speaking more than 3,000 languages across 54 countries.
Despite shared challenges, each nation contributes uniquely to the continent’s rich cultural and historical mosaic.
Unfortunately, education remains a significant hurdle, and, according to UNESCO and the African Union, over a quarter of school-age children in Africa were out of school in 2023, and 90 per cent of children could not read or write by age 10. This stark reality, they said, underscores the need for urgent educational reforms to equip future generations.
In alignment with this educational drive, Access Holdings will again host the Access Bank/UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament starting from the Children’s Day Anniversary on May 27, 2024, in Kaduna.
This event, which will culminate at the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club on June 9, will bring together over 150 school pupils and their teachers for a day filled with sports, art activities, and messages promoting child welfare, such as “Stop Child Abuse” and “Childhood Isn’t Meant to Be a Nightmare.
The event is the largest charity polo tournament in Africa, and highlights Access Bank’s commitment to supporting underprivileged children, having donated over N700 million towards building schools and providing social amenities for surrounding communities in the past seven years.
Beyond education, other aspects of African heritage and achievements that deserve celebration include Angola, known for its vast oil reserves, and home to the ancient Chitundu-Huludao Caves, which is a significant cultural landmark showcasing prehistoric art, and Botswana which is celebrated for its stable democracy established by Sir Seretse Khama. Botswana is also renowned for producing world-class athletes like Amantle Montsho, a former world champion sprinter.
So also is Cameroon, home to the towering Mount Cameroon and the legendary musician Manu Dibango. Cameroon has made significant contributions to global music and boasts rich natural beauty while the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), known for its rich copper reserves and the majestic Congo River, is also the birthplace of Patrice Lumumba, a pivotal figure in Africa’s fight for independence.
Gambia, famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, is also making strides in education and tourism, becoming a notable destination in West Africa, while Ghana, a beacon of democracy and economic growth in West Africa, is also celebrated for its rich history, including the Ashanti Kingdom and significant cultural festivals.
Guinea has rich mineral resources, particularly bauxite, and its vibrant music and dance traditions play a crucial role in cultural identity, Kenya, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, is a leader in environmental conservation and home to world-renowned long-distance runners.
Mozambique is known for its stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage and is also recognised for its vibrant arts scene, including music and dance, while Nigeria, the continent’s most populous nation, is celebrated for its diverse cultures, Nollywood film industry, and significant contributions to literature and music, including figures like Chinua Achebe and Fela Kuti. Nigeria is also home to Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the continent’s largest petroleum refinery.
Others are Rwanda which is a symbol of resilience and progress, and remarkable strides in economic development and technological innovation, that has, become a model for other African nations, and Sierra Leone is known for its rich history and natural beauty, Sierra Leone is also making progress in education and healthcare, contributing to a brighter future for its citizens.
Also, South Africa, which is famous for its stunning landscapes and diverse cultures, and a global leader in mining and a symbol of freedom and reconciliation, is epitomised by Nelson Mandela. Another is Zambia renowned for its spectacular Victoria Falls, with significant strides in economic development and conservation efforts.
Access Holdings is proud to operate in these African nations contributing uniquely to the continent’s narrative, from historical landmarks to modern achievements in various fields.
As we continue to consolidate the discourse around the 2024 Africa Day theme, the Group calls on Africans to unite and invest in our incredible human resources even as we work to take our rightful place on the table of deliberations of global significance
