TheCable

Fidelity bank, in partnership with Gazelle academy and Waziri Umaru federal polytechnic, Kebbi, has begun a scheme to empower 500 students with entrepreneurial skills in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the 5fiveday youth empowerment programme on Monday, Nnamdi Okonkwo, the bank’s managing director/chief executive officer, said that the programme was designed to promote Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) growth by encouraging students from the tertiary institution become self-reliant through entrepreneurship.

Represented by Abdulrahman Ibrahim, branch leader, Sokoto Strategic Business Unit (SBU), Fidelity Bank, Okonkwo said the programme would empower the polytechnic community by creating a new generation of business owners amongst students.

He explained that students would receive requisite training in various stages by the consultants throughout the duration of the exercise.

While stating that the students would be trained in fish farming, tailoring, Stoning, makeup and bread making, Okonkwo said the exercise would give firsthand experience and knowledge on the aforementioned vocational skills.

He said the skills acquisition programme was the first of its kind to be organised by the financial institution in the northern part of the country.

“Well, depending on which area they specialise on, we will now sit and think of what to offer them. It’s giving back to the society where we work,” he said.

The participants will receive start-up packs and gain access to funding for their businesses through Fidelity Bank.

The programme, which is part of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, is strategically aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with skills and capabilities needed to take advantage of available opportunities to drive socioeconomic development in the country.