First Bank of Nigeria Ltd has in partnership with Rotary International District 9111, distributed N45 million worth of vocational start-up kits to 140 beneficiaries 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 that the partnership with Rotary International District 9111 had empowered more than 400 artisans with vocational tools over the past five years.
He explained that 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 that First Bank would continue supporting the beneficiaries with tailored financial products, business advisory services and digital banking solutions as their businesses expanded.
Olokodana said that the bank also offered access to loans, savings products, payment solutions and capacity-building programmes to help businesses grow.
In his speech, the 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.
According to him, the initiative reflects 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 commended First Bank for sustaining its partnership with Rotary in supporting the annual empowerment programme.
GIK/APA