Ecobank goes step further, adopts Kareem, ‘President Macron’s Artist’
Leading financial conglomerate, Ecobank Nigeria has went a step further in the discovery of infant talent, Waris Olamilekan Kareem, the 11-year-old artist who sketched portrait of French President, Emmanuel Macron during his visit to the New Afrika Shrine in July.
Business Hilights gathered that ahead of Macron’s visit, a senior staff of the bank had identified the talented artist on the street and advised the bank to try him out with live sketching during the stay of the visiting president at the shrine.
Following the successful outcome of the trial which was herald with massive appreciation by Macron and Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, Ecobank decided to take it up to another level of human development by sealing an agreement with Waris’ parents for educational support/grant and upkeep allowance spanning 20 years.
Ecobank was one of the sponsors of the Celebration of African Culture at the New Afrika Shrine which President Macron attended.
In his remarks, the outgoing Managing Director, Charles Kie said Ecobank considers it a great privilege to partner with Waris’ family to recognise the child’s exceptional talent as the bank is a firm believer in the development of the African child and the sustainable power of education as well as the diversity obtained in the arts.
“Ecobank decided to support education of Waris ‘to nurture and enable him develop his gifts and other interests he may have in future’.
“We today make a commitment to partner with Mr & Mrs. Kareem on this laudable endeavor to help Waris grow in all aspects of life. Ecobank is supporting Waris in furtherance of the Bank’s CSR initiatives with the primary focus of enabling Waris further enhance his talent whilst also ensuring his general educational development through proper monitoring and guidance.
Continuing Kie averred that “To be sure, good education makes for good citizens, it is a pathway towards a prosperous, productive life and good citizenship. This is our wish for this unique and talented young man, Waspa”, as he likes to be called”.
Advising Waris, the Managing Director said “we can give you all the support by funding your education and ensuring your wellbeing through your parents – none of these will however matter unless you work hard in school, pay attention to your teachers, and listen to your parents and other adults.
In a goodwill message, the Ecobank Company Secretary and Chief Legal Counsel, Mrs. Adenike Laoye said the bank also extended monetary support to Waris’s art school to recognize their talent, whilst also enhancing the general learning environment for Waris and other talented young boys and girls under their care.
Laoye further reiterated that the adoption of the child artiste is in line with Ecobank CSR strategy, which has a guiding principle to give back and contribute effectively to the communities in which the bank operates.
She said Ecobank, is a responsible and caring corporate citizen interested in enhancing lives especially that of children, who are the future of Africa, adding that “We encourage creativity and excellence amongst African youths while also fostering integration on the continent.”
