Lagos: First Bank of Nigeria Ltd (First Bank), in collaboration with Rotary International District 9111, has provided N45 million worth of vocational start-up kits to 140 beneficiaries in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the beneficiaries were selected from Lagos and Ogun States and received essential vocational tools such as grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, make-up kits, toolboxes, gas burners and cylinders, as well as bread and cake mixers. The distribution event was attended by various beneficiaries, Rotarians, and officials from First Bank.
Mr. Musiliu Olokodana, Acting Head of Retail Business, SME Banking Department at First Bank, emphasized the bank’s dedication to fostering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He noted that the partnership with Rotary International District 9111 has empowered over 400 artisans with vocational tools over the past five years. Olokodana highlighted First Bank’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and community development.
Olokodana encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the equipment to establish sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods. He assured that First Bank would continue to support their business growth with tailored financial products, advisory services, and digital banking solutions. Additionally, he mentioned the bank’s provision of access to loans, savings products, payment solutions, and capacity-building programmes.
Rotary District 9111 Governor, Rotarian Henry Akinyele, also addressed the beneficiaries, urging them to use the vocational tools to create sustainable businesses rather than selling them. Akinyele described the tools as seeds for thriving businesses, poverty reduction, and economic development. He praised First Bank for its sustained partnership with Rotary and encouraged beneficiaries to expand their businesses and empower others in their communities.
Mrs. Bukola Bakare, Rotary District 9111 Governor-Elect, confirmed that 140 beneficiaries received starter packs valued at over N45 million. She explained that beneficiaries were selected through Rotary’s 85 clubs, trade unions, and a screening process to ensure the equipment reached trained individuals needing resources to start businesses. Bakare urged beneficiaries to utilize the equipment for their livelihoods and introduced a one-year monitoring mechanism to ensure proper use, including follow-up meetings and unannounced visits.
Mrs. Olaide Oladunjoye, representing the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, commended Rotary International District 9111 for donating vocational tools, promoting skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and community development. She encouraged beneficiaries to make the most of the equipment to enhance their lives and contribute to their communities.
Several beneficiaries, including Runsewe Oluwatobiloba, Dennis Umukoro, Sikiru Adedayo, and Johnson Oluwagbenga, expressed gratitude to First Bank and Rotary for the transformative empowerment opportunity.