FFidelity Bank Plc has offered employment to a physically challenged graduate of chemical engineering, Mr. Michael Sowunmi who is fondly called “the world’s greatest teacher” on account of his love for teaching.
Sowunmi was offered job as a facilitator at the bank’s training CREST Academy.
The chief executive officer of the bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo who disclosed this during the bank’s 2019-year end /customer appreciation party held in Lagos last Thursday/Friday said the move was consistent with the corporate social responsibility policy aimed specifically at uplifting the less privileged members of society. He said the theme of the meet, ‘Give them wings’ was chosen to underscore the bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives and interventions.
“Sowunmi’s case is not an isolated; one we have indeed demonstrated our passion for lifting people in several ways as you have seen tonight with the case of Tim Godfrey and DJ Slim V and the Fidelity Youth Empowerment Academy (YEA),” he said.
Okonkwo explained that the bank specifically supported Godfrey in spite of the fact that he does not play secular music, just as it has thrown its weight behind DJ Slim V who was discovered in a chance encounter somewhere in the eastern part of the country.
“Today, we have given them a platform this big to perform and showcase their craft to the admiration of all. We urge you to patronise them so they can grow. These energies they are displaying could have been channeled to negative vices” he added.
In his remarks, the chairman of the board of directors, Mr. Ernest Ebi, explained that the philosophy behind the YEA was to give the beneficairies a veritable platform to be financially independent and self-reliant.
“Fidelity Bank is making the youths turn their passion into a pay cheque through empowerment programmes which include vocational training in fashion, make-up, coding, catering and more,” he said.
Ebi added that the programme seeks to empower Nigerian undergraduates with vocational skills and enterprise training which are relevant for self-reliance.
Over 2000 students have benefited from YEA programs at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Waziri Umar Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi; Federal Polytechnic Oko; Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, and Bayero University, Kano.
Some beneficiaries who have since started their own businesses were recognized at the event.
The annual had in attendance key stakeholders, customers and prospects including public office holders, traditional rulers, regulators and policy makers.
Among the dignitaries at the event were Africa’s richest man, Mr. Aliko Dangote, the deputy governor of Lagos State, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, minister for transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, deputy governor of KanoState, Mr. Nasiru Yusuf-Gawuna, chairman of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, among others.
KCee of 5 Star Music, Niniola, Timaya and Flavour performed at the party whilst comedians, Bovi and Larry J thrilled with rib cracking jokes.
