By Micheal Eboh

Access Bank Plc has entered into a strategic partnership with Nickelodeon, the global family entertainment brand, in the launch of a new retail banking product, ‘Early Savers Account,’ targeted at children in Nigeria.

According to a joint statement by both companies, signed by Mr. Austin Edoja-Peters, Head, Corporate Affairs, Access Bank and Alison Reid for Nickelodeon, the Early Savers Account, a custom-made banking product for Nigerian parents and children, builds on the growing reputation of Access Bank as a bank of best practice in Africa and a leader in sustainability and responsible business practices.

They said the partnership is aimed at leveraging Nickelodeon’s world-famous animated pre-school heroine and cartoon character, Dora the Explorer, to encourage financial responsibility from an early age.

The statement noted that in order to further engage and involve young savers, and to drive the adoption of the Early Savers Account by Nigerian children and their parents, Access Bank and Nickelodeon will bring Dora the Explorer and her best friend Boots to Nigeria for the very first time in September 2011 for “Dora’s Birthday Fiesta”.

“Dora, seen in Nigeria on DStv Channel 305 and STV, will be holding her first ever public performance, featuring well-known nursery rhymes, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 September 2011,’ they said.

Commenting on the new product, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said; “Access Bank’s introduction of this revolutionary Early Savers Account is the first bold step in the implementation of our financial inclusion strategy. The future of this great nation belongs to our children and we will create a win-win partnership with Nigerian youths resulting in a lifelong customer-bank relationship.

“The Early Savers Account with Dora the Explorer is a strong launching pad from which parents can propel their children along a wonderful journey of financial wellbeing and prosperity.”

Also speaking, Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, said; “We are delighted that Dora the Explorer will be helping young Nigerian children to go on an exciting adventure that will help them understand the value of money and get involved in the banking system early on.”