Fidelity Bank, Gazelle Academy train, empower 200 undergraduates in Sokoto
In line with its policy of building an entrepreneurial spirit in the country’s teeming youths, Fidelity Bank Plc has expanded the scope of the Fidelity Youth Empowerment Academy (YEA) in partnership with Gazelle Academy to build SMEs.
Already, the strategic partnership this week commenced the seventh edition of the highly successful YEA at the Sokoto State University (SSU), Sokoto.
Business Hilights gathered that apart from the typical training on tailoring and make-up, participants will also be provided with requisite skills and first-hand knowledge in Fashion Designing, Cloth Embellishment, Cocktail and Phone Engineering among others.
Over 200 undergraduates of Sokoto State University (SSU) will benefit from this programme.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of the bank, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo queried why does the bank invest in young people?
Giving further insights, he averred that when the Fidelity Bank says, “turn your passion into a pay cheque”, that’s a message of empowerment.
“As a bank, it recognises that the youth look at the world with fresh eyes and such lively determination, and create much-needed change by throwing convention out the window. “That’s why the bank, through its laudable interventions, continues to develop innovative programmes that unleash the creative energies of Nigerian youths which in turn represents formidable new frontiers for sustainable national development, Fidelity Bank boss noted.
YEA had been a skills acquisition, training and productivity improvement scheme targeted at youths, especially undergraduates in Nigeria’s higher institutions. This empowerment programme, which is part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, is primarily targeted at creating a new breed of entrepreneurs amongst Nigeria’s boisterous youth population.
Over 3,000 students have benefited from YEA programs at University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi; Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State; Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt; Bayero University, Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Some beneficiaries who have since started their own businesses were recognized at the event. Fidelity Bank has also provided students with high-quality sewing machines, pressing irons and make-up kits to make sure that undergraduates utilise the skills and experiences garnered at the youth empowerment workshop to improve their lives before and after graduation.
In essence, the Bank has succeeded in making entrepreneurs out of students who will be financially responsible and independent. Through this programme, the Bank has earned a significant measure of goodwill with state and local governments that have in some cases translated to business relationships and have contributed to the Bank’s bottom line.
