L-R: Abdulrazaq Kassim, Zonal Head, Commercial Banking Division, Access Bank Plc; Oge Kasie-Nwachukwu, Head, Strategic Communications, Events and Sponsorship, Access Bank Plc; Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, Access Holdings Plc; Professor Babagana Zulum, Executive Governor, Borno; Hadiza Ambursa, Executive Director, Access Bank Plc; Alexius Ayabam, Zonal Head, North East, Access Bank Plc and Uche Onyeigwe, Regional Director, North East, Access Bank Plc, at the Borno State Government House, where Access Holdings donated of over ₦1 billion to cushion the effects of recent flooding in Maiduguri on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Access Holdings Plc, a leading African financial institution, has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community development by donating over ₦1 billion to support flood relief and recovery efforts in Maiduguri, Borno State. This substantial contribution was made through its banking arm, Access Bank Plc, as part of an ongoing effort to provide immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted by the recent devastating floods.
The announcement was made during a visit by a delegation from Access Holdings, led by Bolaji Agbede, the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, to the Borno State Government House. During the meeting, Agbede outlined the various ways the donation would be utilized to address the pressing needs of flood victims and support the state’s recovery efforts.
The ₦1 billion donation will be allocated as follows: ₦500 million in cash will go directly to the Borno State Government to assist in on-the-ground response efforts, while another ₦500 million will be earmarked for the restoration of essential infrastructure that was damaged during the flood. Additionally, the Group will provide food supplies to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive adequate care and nourishment during this difficult period.
Speaking at the meeting, Agbede emphasized the Group’s commitment to making a positive impact on the communities it serves. “At Access Holdings, we believe in going beyond banking. We are a family that cares deeply about the people we serve. The people of Borno have shown incredible resilience in the face of these floods, and we are here to help them recover and rebuild. This donation is not just about providing financial support; it is about offering real, tangible help to families and individuals who have lost their homes and livelihoods. We are committed to contributing to the state’s long-term recovery through the restoration of critical infrastructure,” Agbede stated.
Governor Babagana Zulum, who received the delegation, expressed his deep gratitude for the donation and praised Access Holdings for its swift and generous response. “We are truly moved by the generosity shown by Access Holdings and Access Bank. Their donation of ₦1 billion will be instrumental in helping us rebuild and recover from this disaster. The restoration of our hospitals, schools, and essential services will strengthen our community’s resilience. At the same time, the provision of food supplies will bring immediate relief to families who are struggling. This partnership between the government and the private sector highlights the power of collaboration in uplifting local communities,” Zulum said.
The flooding, which has affected over one million people in Borno, left entire neighborhoods submerged and displaced tens of thousands of residents. Access Holdings is the first mainstream financial institution to step in with such a significant contribution, underlining its commitment to social responsibility. The Group will continue to work closely with the Borno State Government, humanitarian organizations, and other key stakeholders to ensure that relief reaches those most in need and that the state’s recovery is sustainable.
Access Holdings’ response marks a significant step in the broader effort to rebuild Borno, not just in terms of infrastructure, but also in restoring hope and security to its people. Through this initiative, the Group reinforces its role as a leader in corporate responsibility across Africa, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals in communities where it operates.
