Access Bank Moves To Deepen Partnership With Zambia Air Force

Access Bank Zambia has expressed interest in deepening its partnership with the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) beyond its existing sponsorship of the Red Arrows Rugby Club (RARC).

The bank’s Managing Director, Dr Iheanyi Nwogu, said the relationship between Access Bank and the Zambia Air Force goes beyond sports, noting that the financial institution has also served as a trusted partner in managing salary and operational accounts.

Nwogu made the remarks during the official presentation of Red Arrows Rugby Club’s new playing kit to the Zambia Air Force Command and Access Bank Zambia at the Zambia Air Force Headquarters.

He said the bank valued the confidence placed in it by the military institution and remained committed to providing dependable financial services to the Zambia Air Force and its personnel.

“Our relationship with the Zambia Air Force extends beyond rugby. Access Bank has had the privilege of serving as a trusted financial partner, including through the management of salary and operational accounts. We appreciate that confidence and remain committed to providing dependable service to the institution and its personnel,” he said.

Nwogu added that Access Bank was open to exploring additional areas of collaboration capable of supporting institutional development and creating benefits for communities.

According to him, the bank believes that successful partnerships should generate opportunities and deliver long-term value beyond the immediate relationship between the organisations.

He further said Access Bank, which describes itself as “Africa’s Gateway to the World,” was prepared to utilise its financial expertise and extensive African network to support the objectives of the Zambia Air Force and contribute to Zambia’s broader development.

Nwogu also praised the Red Arrows Rugby Club for its performance during the current season, noting that the team had shown consistency and determination while remaining in contention for league honours and performing strongly in various tournaments.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Oscar Msitu Nyoni, commended Access Bank Zambia for its continued support of the Red Arrows Rugby Club.

Nyoni described the sponsorship as an important contribution to the development of sports and young talent in Zambia, stressing that sporting activities help promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, leadership and character development.

He noted that these qualities were also important within the military profession and praised Red Arrows for establishing itself as one of the country’s leading rugby clubs, having won 14 league titles.

The commander said the club’s performance this season demonstrated its determination to maintain a strong winning culture but reminded the players and officials that success comes with responsibility.

He urged the club to continue prioritising player development, strengthening women’s rugby, identifying emerging talents and maintaining its reputation as a representative of the Zambia Air Force.

Nyoni also described the newly presented playing kit as more than sportswear, saying it represented the identity, heritage and values of Red Arrows Rugby Club, the Zambia Air Force and its partners.

He encouraged the players to wear the kit with pride and ensure that their conduct on and off the field reflected the professionalism and values associated with the military institution.

The commander further called on the club’s management and coaching staff to provide an environment that would enable current players to excel while preparing younger talents for the future.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the ceremony was attended by members of the Zambia Air Force Command, senior Access Bank executives, Red Arrows Rugby Club officials, coaches, players and other representatives of the two institutions.