Leadway Group, one of Nigeria’s foremost non-banking financial services providers, has received commendation from the Lagos State Government. This followed Leadway Group and Ouida’s successful hosting of the 2025 Lagos Festember Read-Along Initiative, a platform that spotlights and simplifies access to the city’s diverse arts, literary, and creative experiences.

This year’s edition brought together pupils from schools and learning centers across Lagos for an enriching reading session. It featured Guinness World Record holder, celebrated Chess Advocate, Founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, alongside renowned Author and Publisher, Lola Shoneyin. They led the reading of her book, “Tunde Onakoya, The Chess Champion,” a story that explores his journey of grit, vision, and impact from the chessboard.

This strategic partnership aligns with Leadway’s mission to inspire learning, creativity, and community impact. The collaboration fosters cultural engagement and sparks curiosity, imagination, and a love of storytelling among young learners.
Speaking on the initiative, the Brand Communication Manager of Leadway Group, Niyi Abiola, said the Read-Along reinforces the Group’s long-standing commitment to education, creativity, and cultural preservation across generations.

“Through this Read-Along initiative, we want to reignite a love for books among children by connecting them with influential innovators, creatives, and storytellers. Seeing children connect deeply with Tunde Onakoya’s story reminds us why platforms like this matter. When young learners engage with stories, they imagine broader possibilities, build empathy, and strengthen critical-thinking skills. These are the foundations of productive future citizens. We are proud to contribute meaningfully to that journey.”

Representing the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs. Busola Williams commended Leadway Group and Ouida for launching an initiative that develops literacy. She emphasised that the program brings relatable Nigerian stories directly to children. She affirmed that these efforts align strongly with Lagos State’s commitment to improving reading culture and educational outcomes in public schools.

The initiative also helped the young learners engage with curated books, participate in guided discussions led by facilitators, and explore new ideas shaped by storytelling. These efforts aim to improve learning outcomes and expand access to knowledge for children across Nigeria.

Leadway’s involvement aligns with its broader educational interventions. These include previous book donation drives, youth empowerment programmes, and mentorship efforts such as the Pages to Places Initiative. This collaboration highlights Leadway Group’s commitment to strengthening literacy as a catalyst for critical thinking, innovation, and enduring national development.

About Leadway Group

Leadway Group is a leading non-banking financial services organisation in Nigeria with strong expertise in Insurance, Pension Administration, Investment, and other financial solutions. Backed by decades of industry leadership, Leadway continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. The organisation focuses on corporate social responsibility, community development, youth empowerment, and initiatives that promote national progress.

Amaka Obiefuna

Polaris Bank has continued its commitment to empowering the Nigerian girl-child through health education and essential support, with the successful distribution of female hygiene essentials to female students of Kuramo and Victoria Island Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Lagos.

This initiative stems from Polaris Bank’s 2025 International Women’s Day celebration and forms part of our ongoing Adolescent Health and Hygiene Support Programme.

Through the Bank’s Girl-Child Support and Hygiene Education Initiative, the outreach aims to improve menstrual hygiene education, build confidence and dignity among young girls, and reduce school absenteeism resulting from lack of access to sanitary products.

Speaking at the event, Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management, Polaris Bank, Mrs. Bukola Oluyadi, delivered a practical health talk to the girls, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during their menstrual cycle and in their daily lives.

She advised the students on essential personal care practices including the appropriate use of sanitary pads, the importance of daily use of clean underwear, and maintaining good body hygiene with deodorants and regular washing, especially during puberty when their bodies are developing.

“Your body is precious, and how you take care of it determines your confidence and wellbeing,” Mrs. Oluyadi told the students. “Good hygiene is not just about looking clean; it is about staying healthy, feeling comfortable, and showing up confidently in school and everywhere you go.”

She also encouraged the girls to cultivate life-long healthy habits, be informed about their bodies, and speak confidently about their health needs.

Also present at the distribution was the Non-Executive Director of Polaris Bank, Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, who delivered a powerful motivational session on self-care, confidence, and self-presentation.

In her address, she reminded the girls that taking care of their appearance and hygiene contributes significantly to building a successful future.

“A clean girl equals a successful woman,” Mrs. Giwa-Amu affirmed. “Success is not only about your academic performance; it is also about how you present yourself. People see you before they know you, and first impressions always last. Loving yourself and caring for yourself should be a daily habit.”

She further encouraged the students to build confidence from within, stay self-assured, and always be conscious of their personal hygiene as young girls stepping into womanhood.
“Confidence starts with knowing who you are and being proud of yourself,” she added.

“When you take care of your body, you build respect for yourself, and others see that confidence reflected in how you speak, walk, and show up in the world.”

Polaris Bank’s support for the girl-child aligns with the Bank’s broader Sustainability and CSR strategy, which includes empowering young girls through education, access to essential learning materials, and social support systems that improve their health and academic performance.

The Bank believes that sustained investment in girls’ wellbeing ensures equal opportunity, reduces school dropout rates, and helps drive long-term social and economic development.

The female hygiene essentials distribution initiative directly addresses barriers that affect school attendance among adolescent girls, especially those who lack access to basic hygiene products.

By equipping students with knowledge and materials, Polaris Bank is helping to normalize conversations around menstruation, reduce stigma, and support healthier outcomes for young girls.