In a dazzling celebration of the Christmas and Yuletide seasons, Zenith Bank adorned Ajose Adeogun Street and Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos, with vibrant lights during its annual Light-Up ceremony on Saturday.
The Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, presided over the event, marking the 17th year of this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The Light-Up Ceremony has become a cherished tradition, transforming Ajose Adeogun Street into a breathtaking display that attracts visitors from all walks of life.
This year, the entire stretch of the street and Roundabout was bedecked with Christmas decorations, turning the area into a resplendent spectacle. Families and friends gathered to capture the beauty through photographs and videos, making it an iconic tourist attraction.
Dr. Onyeagwu, speaking during the ceremony, expressed delight in heralding the 2023 Yuletide season with the symbolic lighting of the street.
He conveyed a message of peace, love, forgiveness, and respect for humanity, urging everyone to embrace the spirit of Christmas. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Mrs. Kay Ovia, the wife of the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank.
“Today, as we turn on the Christmas light with the wife of our Founder and Chairman, Mrs. Kay Ovia, in our midst, we hope with this, we activate the spirit of Christmas in the minds of everyone,” said Dr. Onyeagwu. “We pray that the ambience of the light brings warmth, love, joy, fulfillment, and hope to every one of us. We pray that our country will experience peace. We pray that our joy will be full in this season of joy. So, in the spirit of the Yuletide season, Zenith Bank is also demonstrating that we want to use this to continue communicating and connecting with the community.”
The bank acknowledged the creative efforts of Quantum Markets, the team responsible for the annual decorations, emphasizing the uniqueness and beauty of the display.
Dr. Onyeagwu stated, “I have had the privilege of seeing Christmas light in so many cities across the world, and I say without any sense of contradiction that none compares with what we have in Lagos, Nigeria.”
Zenith Bank’s CSR initiatives align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting a commitment to social investments in health, education, women and youth empowerment, sports development, and public infrastructure enhancement.
In 2022, the bank’s total CSR investment reached NGN1.67 billion, representing 0.75% of its Profit After Tax (PAT).
The bank’s dedication to host communities and society has earned it recognition, including the “Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria” at the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards and “Most Responsible Organization in Africa” at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021.
