By Grace Alegba
First Bank of Nigeria Ltd (First Bank), in partnership with Rotary International District 9111, has distributed N45million worth of vocational start-up kits to 140 beneficiaries, in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were drawn from Lagos and Ogun States.
The beneficiaries received grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, make-up kits, toolboxes, gas burners and cylinders, bread and cake mixers and other vocational equipment.
Some beneficiaries, Rotarians and First Bank officials during the event.
Speaking at the community empowerment programme in Lagos, Mr Musiliu Olokodana, Acting Head of Retail Business, SME Banking Department, First Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Olokodana said the partnership with Rotary International District 9111 had empowered more than 400 artisans with vocational tools over the past five years.
He said the latest intervention reflected First Bank’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and community development.
He advised the beneficiaries to use the equipment to build sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.
He said First Bank would continue supporting the beneficiaries with tailored financial products, business advisory services and digital banking solutions as their businesses expanded.
Olokodana said the bank also offered access to loans, savings products, payment solutions and capacity-building programmes to help businesses grow.
Also speaking, Rotary District 9111 Governor, Rotarian Henry Akinyele, urged beneficiaries to use the equipment to establish sustainable businesses instead of selling them.
Akinyele described the tools as seeds capable of growing thriving businesses, reducing poverty and stimulating economic development if properly utilised.
He said the initiative reflected Rotary’s commitment to economic and community development through sustainable empowerment.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to expand their businesses and in turn, empower others within their communities.
Akinyele also commended First Bank for sustaining its partnership with Rotary in supporting the annual empowerment programme.
Speaking with journalists, Rotary District 9111 Governor-Elect, Mrs Bukola Bakare, said 140 beneficiaries received vocational starter-packs valued at more than N45 million.
Bakare said the beneficiaries were selected through Rotary’s 85 clubs, trade unions and a screening process.
She said the process ensured that the equipment reached trained individuals who lacked the resources to establish businesses.
Bakare urged the beneficiaries not to sell the equipment but use it to improve their livelihoods, support their families and create employment opportunities.
She said Rotary had introduced a one-year monitoring mechanism to ensure proper utilisation of the equipment.
According to her, the mechanism includes follow-up meetings and unannounced visits to beneficiaries.
Bakare, who also spoke on behalf of the programme planning committee, said this was the third year of First Bank’s support for the initiative.
She added that the annual partnership between Rotary and First Bank would last 10 years.
Mrs Olaide Oladunjoye, Director and Head of Vocational Studies, Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, represented the agency’s Director and Head, Mrs Oluwakemi Kalesanwo.
Kalesanwo commended Rotary International District 9111 for donating vocational tools to trainees and community members.
She said the initiative would promote skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, self-reliance and community development.
Kalesanwo urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment to improve their livelihoods and contribute to their communities.
Some beneficiaries, including Runsewe Oluwatobiloba, Dennis Umukoro, Sikiru Adedayo and Johnson Oluwagbenga, thanked First Bank and Rotary for the life-changing empowerment opportunities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu