Babajide Komolafe
20 June 2008
Lagos — Officials of the United Nations Education Fund and Zenith Bank Plc, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of initiatives to enhance the welfare of Nigerian children.
Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, UNICEF Assistant Representative in Nigeria in his opening remarks expressed hope that the partnership would ensure that every Nigerian child realizes their right to survive, to be healthy, to have basic education, to be protected and to participate effectively in society."
Continuing, he explained that integrated fund raising partnership ensures that "the general public can walk into any Zenith Bank branch in Nigeria and make a donation to improve the welfare of the Nigerian child."
He explained that UNICEF would reach out to customers of Zenith Bank, "asking them to make donations via ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), the Zenith Website and other electronic means such as Z-mobile (telephone banking application), etc."
This, Nwabunka continued, is the first of its kind in Africa, apart from being the first time a bank in Africa is doing ATM fund raising- "a unique concept that was first tested by UNICEF in our Mexico Country office with fantastic results for children."
The partnership, initially for two years and subject to review, also allows the agency to add material/inserts to mailings the bank sends to its customers (such as bank statements etc), inviting them to make one-off or regular donations to UNICEF through Zenith Bank.
While appealing to will meaning individuals to lend support to the endeavour, which would be of immense benefit to the nation, the UNICEF chief noted that the agency, contrary to general expectations does not get funds from the United Nation, but from public spirited people, foundations, governments and sundry donations.
Responding, Godwin Emefiele, deputy managing director, who represented Jim Ovia, the chief executive of Zenith Bank, thanked UNICEF for choosing to partner Zenith Bank in this noble endeavour for the good of the Nigerian child.
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